Houston: Houston Astros prospect Shay Whitcomb is set to make his debut in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) next week, representing South Korea, the homeland of his mother's birth. The opportunity has been a source of excitement and gratitude for the 27-year-old, who expressed his feelings to reporters after practice at the Kyocera Dome on Sunday, just ahead of South Korea's tuneup game against the Hanshin Tigers.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Whitcomb, along with several other U.S.-based players, joined the South Korean national team earlier on Sunday. "It's an honor. I feel very blessed to be able to take part," Whitcomb said, adding that the experience of meeting his new teammates and coaches has been overwhelmingly positive. The WBC allows players to represent a parent's country of birth, and Whitcomb is one of four such players selected by South Korea, alongside Detroit Tigers outfielder Jahmai Jones, Seattle Mariners pitcher Dane Dunning, and St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Riley O'Brien, who was later dropped due to injury.
Whitcomb shared that his family's reaction, particularly his mother's, was filled with excitement and pride at his selection for the South Korean team. He humorously recounted wishing he had learned Korean as a child, a language his mother is fluent in, but which he never pursued seriously in his youth.
Drafted in the fifth round in 2020, Whitcomb has played 78 major league games, though with limited success, batting .178 with a home run and six RBIs. However, his performance in Triple-A has been impressive, with 25 home runs and 16 stolen bases in 2025, and similar stats the previous year, showcasing his power and versatility on the field.
Whitcomb is anticipated to bring power to South Korea's lineup, offering defensive options across every infield position and the two corner outfield positions. He praised the Astros for helping him develop these skills. His batting practice performance, hitting balls over the fence, indicates his readiness for the tournament.
As South Korea prepares for their WBC games, including a much-anticipated match against defending champions Japan, Whitcomb has marked this game as a highlight. His experience with the Astros' rivalries has prepared him for such high-stakes matches, and he is eager to contribute to the team's success.
The goal for Whitcomb is clear: to stay with the national team as long as possible and delay his return to spring training with the Astros. He believes the American additions to the team enhance its strength and is determined to help South Korea perform at their best in the tournament.