Cardinals' fireballer Riley O'Brien reiterates his desire to join the South Korean team, pending club and MLB approval.

Positive developments have come for South Korea regarding the 2026 6th World Baseball Classic (WBC). On the 18th, it was reported that Riley O'Brien, a pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals, has come to terms with the Korean Baseball Committee and is only waiting for his club and MLB to give the green light. Should this proceed, the strong reliever of Korean descent will add vital strength to the Korean pitching lineup.

As early as December last year, O'Brien expressed his strong intention to represent South Korea in the Classic during an exclusive interview with Korea's SBS. With an American father and a Korean mother, he meets the Classic’s eligibility rules based on heritage and has become a key target for South Korea as they aim to rebuild their competitiveness in international tournaments.

According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch on the 18th, O'Brien has officially accepted the invitation from the Korean Baseball Committee. Both sides are coordinating schedules while awaiting final approval from the Cardinals and MLB. In the report, O'Brien emotionally stated, "Representing my mother's homeland means the world to me. My whole family is incredibly proud, and I especially want my mother and grandmother to know how much this means to me."

O'Brien is a key part of the Cardinals' bullpen for the 2025 season, appearing in 42 games and pitching 48 innings with an impressive record of 3 wins, 1 loss, 6 saves, and a 2.06 ERA. Scout reports indicate his sinker can reach speeds up to 160 km/h, averaging about 157 km/h, while his slider and changeup also exceed 144 km/h, giving him multiple weapons to suppress hitters. If he successfully joins the South Korean team, he will undoubtedly be a vital asset in the Classic’s bullpen.