JJ Wetherholt Disappointed in World Baseball Classic Decision: ‘Not Korean Enough’

St. Louis Cardinals rookie JJ Wetherholt will not be allowed to represent South Korea in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.  

The former West Virginia star confirmed the news in a recent press conference.  

Wetherholt dreamed of playing for South Korea in the World Baseball Classic, as his grandmother is from South Korea.

“Unfortunately, I am not Korean enough. It was a dream of mine, and my grandma is getting old so I really wanted to play for them just because I think it would really mean a lot to her,” Wetherholt said.

Since Wetherholt is from Maryland and is a U.S. citizen, one of his parents would need to be a citizen or born in South Korea, according to the World Baseball Classic rules and regulations. 

“I told my dad, I believe he is still potentially eligible,” Wetherholt added.

It is worth noting the WBC has permitted other players to represent a grandparent’s native country in the past. Mike Piazza playing for Italy in the inaugural event in 2006 is one example of that occulting.

With Wetherholt currently not being allowed to represent South Korea in the World Baseball Classic, he will aim to make the St. Louis Cardinals’ starting lineup this season, and potentially win the National League Rookie of the Year.

Find more coverage of JJ Wetherholt at WV Sports Now.