Detroit Tigers outfielder Jahmai Jones, who is of Korean descent, recently expressed his intention to represent South Korea in next year's WBC World Baseball Classic. This news quickly sparked a buzz in baseball circles, fueling anticipation among fans about the versatile player's international potential.
According to MLB Network reporter Jon Morosi's post on social media platform X, Jones said: "I hope to represent South Korea in the World Baseball Classic." He believes that this will be a very important step in his career and a rare life experience.
Jones's Korean heritage and heart
Jones's mother was born in South Korea, a key reason for his interest in joining the Korean national team. "The more I thought about it, the more I realized this is exactly what I want to do," Jones said. "Playing for South Korea would be one of the most important moments of my life." These words reveal his respect and passion for the national team.
Jones also comes from a rich family sports background. His father was a former American football player 棒球經典賽 , and both of his brothers currently play wide receiver. This family athletic gene fostered a strong competitive spirit and athletic talent in him from a young age.
Jones's career review
Jones, 28, was selected by the Angels in the second round of the 2015 draft, promoted to the major leagues in 2020, and traded to the Orioles before the 2021 preseason. He played in 26 games that year. In 2022, he signed a minor league contract with the Dodgers, but in July 2023, he chose to give up the Dodgers minor league contract and joined the Brewers to play in 7 games.
The following year, he transferred to the Yankees and this year he joined the Tigers. He has played in 59 games so far, with a total of 30 hits, 6 home runs, and a batting average of 0.278. His stable performance also makes him capable of competing for the qualification of representing the international arena.
Jones looks ahead to WBC journey
If Jones can join the South Korean team as he wishes, it will add outfield firepower and international competition experience to the team, and also make fans more excited about the South Korean team's performance in the WBC. This outfielder, who has experienced multiple teams and possesses diverse athletic genes, has the potential to become a key player in the international arena.
For Jones personally, representing his mother's hometown is not only a milestone in his baseball career, but also a precious life experience. His decision also shows the possibility for athletes to find a sense of belonging and honor in the international arena.