[Anchor]
Pitcher Go Woo-suk, who headed to the United States in 2024, is finally entering Major League Baseball. Following a trade to the Minnesota Twins, a clause in his contract regarding a big league roster spot was triggered, allowing him to step onto the stage of his dreams.
Reporter Yu Byeongmin has the story.
[Reporter]
Local U.S. media outlets reported in unison that the Minnesota Twins have acquired Go Woo-suk and plan to register him on their 26-man major league roster.
Go, who had been playing for the Detroit Tigers' Triple-A affiliate, exercised an opt-out clause on July 1. Under this provision, if another team expressed interest, Go would be immediately added to that team's 26-man major league roster, or otherwise be added to his original team's 40-man roster. If no team showed interest, he would have continued his career as a minor leaguer with Detroit's Triple-A team.
It was a no-lose gamble for Go, and with Minnesota unexpectedly expressing interest, he has realized his dream of reaching the big leagues.
It is reported that even Go's side did not anticipate the move to the big leagues, as his wife, who had been supporting him, returned to Korea with their child yesterday, July 6.
Go, who signed with the San Diego Padres through the posting system in 2023, accompanied the team to the Seoul Series in March of the following year but failed to make the opening day roster.
After stints with the Miami Marlins and the Detroit Tigers, he turned down requests to return to his former KBO team, the LG Twins, and continued his challenge in the minor leagues for three years before finally achieving his dream.
"I wasn't expecting much, but I am grateful for the support and expectations sent my way following this good result," Go said, sharing his thoughts on entering the big leagues.
Go is preparing for his debut as the 30th Korean big leaguer in history during the home game against the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday.
(Video Editing: Lee Jae-sung, Design: Jang Chae-woo)
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