Released by Minnesota, pitcher Go Woo-seok cannot play in KBO postseason even if he returns to LG

South Korean pitcher Go Woo-seok, recently placed on waivers by the MLB's Minnesota Twins, is at a crossroads regarding his professional baseball career. While a return to his former club, the LG Twins, is a possibility, a significant hurdle remains: he would be ineligible to participate in the KBO postseason this year.

Minnesota designated Go Woo-seok for assignment to make roster space after he was demoted to Triple-A St. Paul Saints. His time in the majors was brief, with a 9.00 ERA in four appearances. He was later suspended for eight games due to foreign substance violations and continued to struggle in the minor leagues, posting a 12.54 ERA in eight games after his suspension.

If Go Woo-seok does not receive any offers from other MLB organizations, he could remain a minor league player for Minnesota or become a free agent. A return to the KBO league is considered his most realistic option. Due to league rules, if he returns to the KBO, he can only sign with his former team, the LG Twins, who had previously tried to persuade him to return in May.

Should Go Woo-seok rejoin the LG Twins, he could be immediately registered for the regular season, potentially bolstering the team's playoff push. However, KBO regulations stipulate that domestic players, excluding those returning from military service, must be registered with their team by July 31 to be eligible for the postseason. This rule would prevent Go Woo-seok from competing in the playoffs this year, even if he returns to LG.