Ahn Hyun-min, Kim Do-young Power Korean Lineup in WBC Warm-Up

Okinawa, Japan – South Korea’s national baseball team received a promising sign ahead of the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) as key hitters Ahn Hyun-min and Kim Do-young demonstrated their offensive capabilities in a practice game against the Samsung Lions on February 20th.

Ahn Hyun-min Launches Home Run

Ahn Hyun-min, last season’s KBO League Rookie of the Year, started as the second batter and right fielder and made an immediate impact, hitting a home run in his first at-bat. He connected with a fastball from Samsung’s Choi Won-tae, sending the ball over 122 meters.

“I didn’t feel any pressure due to the fact that it was a practice game. If I don’t feel pressure in the WBC, I will be able to perform well enough.”

Ahn Hyun-min

Ahn Hyun-min finished the game with one hit, one walk and one RBI in two at-bats. He was recognized by MLB.com as a key player for Korea, drawing comparisons to Mike Trout due to his impressive physique.

Kim Do-young Adds Power with a Double

Following Ahn Hyun-min in the batting order, Kim Do-young, the 2024 KBO League MVP, also contributed with a long hit, a double down the left field line. The combination of the two players at the top of the lineup has national team coach Ryu Ji-hyun optimistic.

“There are seven evaluation matches left, and we will witness which combination will be best in terms of lineup,” and added, “Players in good condition will be placed at the front of the batting order.”

Ryu Ji-hyun

Kim Do-young, who battled injuries last season, appears to have regained his form and is ready to contribute to the national team’s WBC campaign.

Ahn Hyun-min and Kim Do-young each reached base multiple times, earning a positive review in their first practice game together. Ahn Hyun-min expressed his confidence in their potential synergy, stating, “It’s our first match today, and we both performed well. When our condition improves and we become the best, we will have better synergy.”

Looking Ahead to the WBC

The Korean national team will continue its preparations with seven remaining evaluation matches, as Coach Ryu Ji-hyun assesses the optimal lineup for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Pro Tip: Consistent at-bat performance in practice games is a strong indicator of a player’s readiness for high-stakes competition like the WBC.

Did you know? Ahn Hyun-min left a strong impression by hitting home runs in two consecutive warm-up games against the Japanese national baseball team in November.

Stay tuned to 247sports.news for continued coverage of the 2026 World Baseball Classic and the South Korean national team’s journey.