Even after the 'Panama National University' WBC, "Thank you to Samsung → I'm always proud to represent the country."

*This content was translated by AI.

Samsung Lions foreign pitcher Ariel Furado (29) entered the actual pitching ahead of the World Baseball Classic (WBC) in March. In a meeting with Panama's media, he thanked the Samsung club for allowing him to run. The national team's red uniform looked good instead of the blue uniform.

According to reports by local media El Siglo and Panama's state-run broadcaster RPC on the 12th (Korea time), Furado is lifting himself up by training at Rod Curry National Stadium in Panama City with the Panama squad.

After completing the training, he met with his own media and said in an interview, "I asked him if he would play for the national team at Samsung, and he said he wanted to do so." I think the club gave me permission after seeing my will. I am truly grateful to the Samsung club for trusting me and allowing me to participate in the WBC. Because of the consideration of the club, I think I can achieve my dream of playing in the WBC, which I have never played yet. I think I can only focus on the game," he said with a smile.

He said, "I started working out at home last November. In fact, I had to improve my condition accordingly because I was holding a tight and focused competition like WBC," he explained.

Lee Jong-yeol (53), Samsung's general manager, also said in a phone call with Star News in December last year, "I got an inquiry from Panama first, and when I asked the player, he wanted to go out. Won Tae-in (26), a member of our club, also said, "There is a possibility that he will play, so I can go if he wants the same."

In the end, Furado was included in the final entry of the WBC following the 35-man roster. He played for Panama in the 2023 WBC qualifying round held in 2022 and helped him advance to the finals, but he did not participate in the main tournament due to his adaptation from his KBO league debut as a member of the Kiwoom Heroes at the time.

Hurado, who is entering his fourth season in Korea, was truly the league's top starting pitcher in the 2025 season. He played a good role as the first starter with an outstanding performance of 15 wins, 8 losses and an ERA of 2.60 in 30 regular-season games. Above all, he is a player who is highly valued by hitters playing in the field. Thanks to this performance, he has even renewed his contract with Samsung for the 2026 season on the condition of a total of $1.7 million including options.

Furado also expressed pride in representing Panama. He said, "It's always heartbreaking and proud to take the mound on behalf of my country. Looking at the players, they are made up of the best players representing the country. You have to feel responsible and you have an obligation to make your country proud. The name Panama engraved on our chest is the same for everyone, and it is the name itself that represents the country. We will play with great responsibility," he stressed.

"It's my first time going to Puerto Rico, where the first round will be held. Most of us also play in the major leagues. He has the ability and mental strength to compete enough. I think if we unite in one mind and one mind, we will certainly be able to produce good results," he added.

The Panama national team, which includes Furado, was tied to Group A along with host Puerto Rico, Cuba, Canada, and Colombia at the WBC in March. He will play in Group A at Hiram Bison Stadium in Puerto Rico. Panama will play Cuba, Puerto Rico, Canada, and Colombia in that order. It is said that the country that Furado, who is likely to take the mound as a starting pitcher, will face has not yet been decided.

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*This content was translated by AI.