"We need to see Go Woo-seok make his appearance." Manager Yeom Kyung-yeop was pleased by, receiving a call from the U.S. just before the trade [Daegu field]

*This content was translated by AI.

LG Twins manager Yeom Kyung-yeop (58) could not hide his satisfaction as his former player, Go Woo-seok (28, Minnesota Twins), finally made it to the major leagues after enduring great hardships.

Manager Yeom Kyung-yeop of LG smiled ahead of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League regular-season away game against Samsung Lions at Daegu Samsung Lions Park on the 7th, saying, "I received a call early in the morning before the news broke on the day of the trade (the 6th). It turned out well. Woo-seok has truly passed through a very difficult hurdle and achieved his dream. He is scheduled to pitch tomorrow (the 8th), so I will watch him. I will also cheer for him enthusiastically."

Early on the 6th, news broke that Go Woo-seok had been cash-traded to the Minnesota Twins of Major League Baseball (MLB). The trade included a clause requiring his inclusion in the major league's 26-man roster, making his MLB debut virtually certain. Some U.S. media outlets even predicted he would pitch on the 8th.

This marks Go Woo-seok's third year since attempting to break into MLB. After helping LG win their first Korean Series title in 29 years in 2023, he headed to the United States through the posting system. The challenge was more difficult than expected. He joined the San Diego Padres in 2024 and was involved in a one-for-four trade with young prospects, while also enduring two instances of being designated for assignment.

He later played for the Miami Marlins and Detroit Tigers, finally revealing his true potential this year. In Triple-A this season, Go Woo-seok recorded three wins and one loss with an ERA of 2.60 in 27⅔ innings, striking out 32 batters across 19 games.

However, Detroit continued to hesitate in calling him up. Despite multiple scoreless innings and consecutive scoreless appearances, there was no news of his promotion. Even so, he did not give up and patiently waited for the right moment, finally achieving another debut with yet another Twins team.

The manager keeps a close eye on Korean major leaguers, including Kim Ha-seong (31, Atlanta Braves), whenever possible. Yet there is a reason why he insists on watching tomorrow's game specifically.

Earlier this year, Go Woo-seok had actually considered giving up his dream of making it to the majors and returning to Korea. His resolve wavered most when LG General Manager Cha Myeong-seok traveled to the U.S. in late April to persuade him. At that time, LG was in urgent need of Go due to closer Yoo Young-chan's elbow surgery and a series of injuries creating gaps in the roster.

Manager Yeom recalled, "Woo-seok intended to return to Korea if things didn't work out. This was his final attempt. When General Manager Cha went to the U.S., Woo-seok was deeply conflicted. He knew he should go back, but with a dream in mind and after immense internal struggle, he said, 'I'll try until July 1st.'"

He continued, "Woo-seok always believed that since LG Twins had given him opportunities, he should return to the team when they needed him. This trade was his final option: to attempt a spot on the 26th-man roster and, if unsuccessful, fully return to Korea. He could have stayed in the minor leagues for more challenges, but he was ready to give it all up and come back. That's why I truly support him."

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*This content was translated by AI.