Reporter Moon Seong-dae = SSG Landers outfielder Choi Ji-hoon (26) joins the Korean national baseball team for the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC).

WBCI (World Baseball Classic Inc), the WBC organizing committee, informed the KBO on the 5th (Korean time) that Choi Ji-man (Pittsburgh Pirates) could not participate in the WBC. 안전놀이터

The Pittsburgh Pirates expressed their opposition to participating in the WBC, citing Choi Ji-man’s (32-year-old) surgery history. Accordingly, the WBCI held an injury review committee to deliberate on whether or not to allow Choi Ji-man to participate in the WBC, and it was decided as such.

Choi Ji-man showed a strong will to participate in the WBC, but was blocked by the club’s opposition, leaving regret.

According to the WBCI’s final decision, SSG Choi Ji-hoon was selected by the WBC Korea National Team Technical Committee Chairman Jo Bum-hyun, the Technical Committee, and national team coach Lee Kang-cheol.

The Technical Committee, including Technical Committee Chairman Cho Beom-hyun, coach Lee Kang-cheol, and coaching staff prepared for a situation where it would be difficult for Choi Ji-man to join at the entry stage and reviewed the selection of additional players.

The national team submits a 30-man entry to the WBCI on the 8th.