Incheon: While pitching for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2022, Mitch White, born to a Korean mother and an American father, had been considered for the South Korean national team ahead of the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC). The right-hander turned down the offer from the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), as he aimed to establish himself as a full-time starter in Major League Baseball (MLB) during spring training in March 2023. Fast forward three years, and White is now showcasing his talent in the KBO for the SSG Landers, located in the country of his mother's birth.
According to Yonhap News Agency, White is facing a different scenario for the upcoming WBC scheduled for March next year. The national team staff can closely monitor White without traveling to North America, making it easier to consider him for the team. "I think that would be awesome," White expressed regarding the potential opportunity to play for South Korea. "Obviously, I would love to pitch someday for the Korean team. That'll be fun. If they want me... that's the first thing."
White's performance this season makes him a strong candidate for the South Korean team. Despite missing the early part of the season due to a hamstring injury, White has impressed in his first KBO season, boasting a 3-0 record in five starts with a 2.54 ERA and recording 25 strikeouts in 28 1/3 innings. His fastball, averaging 151.9 kilometers per hour, ranks him among the hardest-throwing starters in the KBO.
While a successful season in the KBO could pave the way for a return to MLB, White remains cautious about committing to the WBC. "Who knows what the future holds," he remarked. The 30-year-old pitcher described the start of his KBO season as "interesting," having made his season debut on April 17 due to his earlier injury. He feels he is still adjusting physically, having yet to reach 100 pitches in a game but managing eight efficient innings on 90 pitches against the Lotte Giants on May 5.
White focused on his routine to overcome the mental challenges posed by his early sidelining, stating, "It's a long season. I missed maybe three, four starts. At the end of the day, it's not that much." He arrived in the KBO with an open mindset, aiming to adapt to the new league without preconceived notions about his opponents.
Aside from baseball, White has taken the opportunity to explore South Korea, especially with family visiting this month. His mother, Hailey, who left South Korea for the United States as a child, returned to her homeland for the first time since the early 2000s. The family enjoyed a poignant moment in Seoul, revisiting the Shinsegae Department Store, a place of personal significance to White's mother.
"It's very full circle," White reflected on his journey, both professionally and personally, as he continues to make his mark in South Korea and considers the possibility of representing the country on the international stage.