First of all, my name was put on the final list. However, you have to overcome the injury issue and get permission from your team. Can Choi Ji-man (32, Pittsburgh Pirates)’s first Taegeuk mark dream come true?

The KBO announced the final 30 entries for the 2023 WBC at the KBO Hall in Dogok-dong, Seoul on the 4th. Director Lee Kang-cheol and Technical Committee Chairman Jo Bum-hyun gathered and discussed and formed the best members. Choi Ji-man, who has expressed his intention to participate in the WBC, is also included in the 30-man roster.

If Choi Ji-man participates in the WBC, he is likely to play an active role as the main first baseman. This is because he showed decent batting ability in the major leagues, and his defensive ability is second to none compared to other first basemen. If Choi Ji-man, the head of both offense and defense, takes on the first baseman and center batting line, the effect of increasing the strength of the Korean national team is expected.

The player himself has a strong will to participate in the WBC. Choi Ji-man, who has no national team record yet. He has a great desire to wear the Taegeuk mark that can be seen in front of his eyes. He has expressed his willingness to participate in the WBC, saying, “I’m always open-minded. If it helps, it’s right to go. I’ve never played for the national team yet. I really want to try.”

But he has a mountain to climb. First and foremost, recovery from injuries is important. Choi Ji-man suffered an elbow injury last year, and went to the operating table immediately after returning to Korea this winter. His rehabilitation is progressing smoothly, but it is expected that it will take some time to improve his condition.

He also needs permission from his team, Pittsburgh. After finishing last season, Choi Ji-man was traded from the Tampa Bay Rays to Pittsburgh토토. In addition to needing time to adjust to the new team, Pittsburgh may also want Choi Ji-man, who was dropped as the starting first baseman, to prepare for the season with the squad.

Technical Committee Chairman Beom-Hyun Cho said, “I had an interview with Choi Ji-man in December of last year. He said that he really wanted to join the national team. The current team has moved and he has undergone elbow surgery. He will go to the United States in mid-January for a medical checkup. I did. I will listen to the team’s opinion and contact you, “he explained the background of putting Choi Ji-man in the final entry.

In the end, it seems that Pittsburgh’s decision will decide whether or not Choi Ji-man will participate in the WBC. Choi Ji-man will leave the country on the 8th and contact the Pittsburgh club immediately. After he completes the medical test, attention is focusing on whether he will be able to join the WBC national team.