Go Woo-seok Debuts in MLB After 2 Years, 8 Months, Allows One Run

Pitcher Go Woo-seok finally took the mound in Major League Baseball, making his debut with the Minnesota Twins on October 10th (KST). This moment comes two years and eight months after he first declared his intention to play in the U.S. Go Woo-seok became the 30th South Korean player, and the 16th pitcher from South Korea, to play in MLB.

In his debut against the Cleveland Guardians, Go Woo-seok pitched the top of the ninth inning with his team trailing 2-4. He threw 18 pitches, mixing fastballs (topping out at 95.7 mph/154 km/h), splitters, and sliders. He started strong by inducing a ground ball from the first batter, but then gave up a solo home run to the second batter. Despite the home run, he settled down and retired the next two batters via strikeout and ground out, ending his outing.

Go Woo-seok, formerly a closer for the LG Twins in the KBO League, signed a two-year, $4.5 million contract with the San Diego Padres via the posting system after the 2023 season. However, he spent time in the minor leagues without getting a call-up to the majors. He was traded to the Minnesota Twins just two days prior to his debut, on October 8th, and was immediately added to the 26-man roster, fulfilling his long-held dream.