This series takes a closer look at issues involving players on the field, using interviews, records and career context. <Editor’s note>
Hanwha Eagles pitcher Moon Dong-ju has been left off South Korea’s roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic in March because of a shoulder injury.
The Korea Baseball Organization announced the WBC roster on Thursday at the Korea Press Center in Seoul, with national team manager Ryu Ji-hyun and KBO Strengthening Committee chairman Cho Kye-hyun in attendance. Moon’s absence drew attention because he had been included in the team’s first training camp last month in Saipan.
Ryu said Hanwha notified him on Jan. 30 that Moon’s shoulder condition was not good. “He was preparing for a bullpen session, but we were told the pain actually got worse,” Ryu said, explaining the decision to exclude him. Moon is scheduled to visit a hospital on Friday, and the results could shape Hanwha’s season.
Hanwha signaled a win-now push in free agency by signing Kang Baek-ho to a four-year deal worth up to 10 billion won. The club also retained Son Ah-seop — described as the KBO’s all-time hits leader — on a one-year contract worth 100 million won. After finishing as runner-up last season, Hanwha’s lineup depth has improved.
But the pitching staff faces clear holes compared with last year. Foreign starters Cody Ponce (Toronto Blue Jays) and Ryan Weiss (Houston Astros) left for the United States, and left-hander Kim Beom-su moved to the Kia Tigers as a free agent. Hanwha added foreign pitchers Wilkel Hernandez and Owen White, and selected Wang Yen-cheng under the league’s newly introduced Asia quota, but questions remain about how much they can cover those losses — especially with Moon, expected to fill a No. 3 or No. 4 starter role, now hurt.
The severity of Moon’s injury is still unknown, but shoulder problems are often viewed as more difficult for pitchers than elbow injuries. Even if he returns, concerns remain that he could lose velocity or effectiveness. Hanwha’s title chances are expected to hinge in part on how quickly Moon recovers.