Detroit Tigers' Jahmai Jones to play for Korea in World Baseball Classic

The 25-year-old slugger is eligible to represent Korea in the upcoming tournament.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Jahmai Jones, a rising star for the Detroit Tigers, will be suiting up to play for the Korean national team in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. The tournament begins on Thursday, with Korea's first game taking place at 5 a.m. ET (4 a.m. CT) in Japan.

Why it matters

Jones' decision to play for Korea in the WBC highlights the increasing globalization of baseball and the growing talent pool that teams can draw from. As a Korean-American player, Jones' participation will also help raise the profile of the Korean national team and attract more interest in the tournament.

The details

Jones, a 25-year-old outfielder, is eligible to play for Korea due to his Korean heritage. Despite being born and raised in the United States, Jones qualifies to represent Korea in international competitions like the World Baseball Classic. This will be his first time playing for the Korean national team.

  • The 2026 World Baseball Classic begins on Thursday, March 6, 2026.
  • Korea's first game in the tournament is scheduled for 5 a.m. ET (4 a.m. CT) on Thursday, March 6, 2026.

The players

Jahmai Jones

A 25-year-old outfielder for the Detroit Tigers who is eligible to play for the Korean national team in the World Baseball Classic due to his Korean heritage.

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The takeaway

Jahmai Jones' participation in the World Baseball Classic for Korea showcases the growing diversity and global reach of the sport, as players with international backgrounds increasingly have the opportunity to represent their ancestral homelands on the world stage.