South Korean media speculate that former Dodgers' mixed-race right-handed pitcher White is unlikely to represent Korea in the Classic.

The South Korean team has faced elimination in the preliminary stages of the World Baseball Classic (WBC) for three straight tournaments. This year, they are gearing up with the aim to reach the final eight and compete in the U.S., with hopes of adding two Korean-American MLB players to their roster: St. Louis Cardinals reliever Riley O'Brien and Detroit Tigers outfielder Jahmai Jones. However, the Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo suggests that Mitch White, a Korean-American right-handed pitcher formerly with the Los Angeles Dodgers and currently with the KBO’s SSG Landers, is unlikely to participate.

White, 31, has a Korean mother and an American father, with five years of Major League experience, holding a career record of 4 wins, 12 losses, and an ERA of 5.25. After moving to the KBO’s SSG Landers last year, he started 24 games, achieving 11 wins, 4 losses, a 2.87 ERA, and a 1.15 WHIP. Over 134.2 innings, he struck out 137 batters and issued 44 walks, demonstrating excellent performance. After the season, he secured a contract extension with the team, signing a one-year deal worth up to $1.2 million, including a $300,000 signing bonus, $800,000 salary, and $100,000 incentives.

White is currently participating in spring training with the SSG Landers in Florida. According to the Chosun Ilbo report, although the SSG team has agreed to let him join the Classic, South Korea’s head coach Yoo Jung-hyun has had multiple discussions with White but has not received a clear commitment to participate. White missed nearly a month at the start of last season due to a leg injury and suffered other injuries during the season. To focus on preparing for the new season, this may affect his willingness to represent South Korea in the tournament.

The report notes that O'Brien and Jones have shown a positive attitude toward participating, whereas White’s response has been more reserved. Given the current situation, White’s chances of representing South Korea in this year’s Classic appear very slim.

Soon to be 31, O'Brien appeared in 42 games last year, recording a 3-1 record with 6 saves and a 2.06 ERA; 28-year-old Jones played in 72 games, hitting .287 with 7 home runs and 23 RBIs.