Doosan Bears' winning pitcher Kwak Bin praised Kiwoom Heroes' An Woo-jin as "a pitcher that is really needed for the national team" and dreamed of going to the World Baseball Classic (WBC) together with his close friend born in the same year.

On the 25th, Kwak Bin participated in live pitching during the Doosan Bears' second spring camp team training held at Hinata Himuka Stadium in Miyazaki, Japan. With key hitters like Yang Seok-hwan, Jung Soo-bin, and Kim Jae-hwan set up, he tested various pitches, including a powerful fastball, to enhance his game sense.

After finishing his live pitching, Kwak Bin noted, "I feel my body is in better shape compared to the Australian spring camp. My speed reached a maximum of 149 km/h. I made a slight change to my kicking motion, and it felt good, and my command was better than I expected."

Why did Kwak Bin change his kicking motion even after winning the championship last year? He explained, "I corrected my form to raise my legs high to get rid of unnecessary strength. My previous wild form could seem ordinary to the batter, making it easier for them to match the timing, but I think I can do well as long as I trust my pitch and the ball. I lacked stability, so I decided not to kick too much to throw the ball more consistently. Since I’m still young, I believe changes are also an experience."

Once again this year, Kwak Bin has taken on the role of the native ace and the third starter. Last year, he kept the rotation alone amid consecutive injuries and struggles of foreign pitchers such as Raul Alcantara, Brandon Waddell, and Shirakawa Keisho, but this year, Major League veterans Cole Irvin and Jack Logue have joined the team.

Kwak Bin stated, "Last year, the foreign pitchers were indeed very reassuring. But this year, players with more extensive Major League experience have come. So I believe the team will become stronger." He emphasized, "In my case, rather than performing better than last year, my goal is to improve the areas where I did poorly last year. The team comes before the individual. Last year we ranked 4th, and the year before 5th. To aim for a higher place this year, I need to perform well in my position."

So how much do you need to contribute for Doosan to reach the goal of the Korean Series? He laughed and said, "Just because I do well, the team can't rise on its own. If our starting pitchers consistently showcase their abilities without missing the rotation, I believe we can rank 2nd or higher."

Kwak Bin, who competed with Koh Young-pyo for the ace position during last year's Premier 12, has also expressed his desire to be part of the national team for the WBC scheduled for March next year. Unlike the Premier 12, the WBC brings together all the world-class Major League players to compete.

Kwak Bin revealed, "I’m ambitious. I’m playing for the country, so naturally, I have ambitions. If I get the call, I definitely want to participate."

Next year, I would like to team up with my close friend An Woo-jin, who is scheduled to be discharged from military service on September 17. If "monster pitcher" An Woo-jin joins, I may have to give up my ace position, but Kwak Bin praised An Woo-jin as the true ace of the national team.

Kwak Bin asserted, "We need to acknowledge it. An Woo-jin has shown remarkable skill, and despite being friends, there is much to learn from him. An Woo-jin is a pitcher that is truly needed for the national team. An Woo-jin is the final piece that can build a stronger image for the national team. Of course, I hope to grow and pitch well enough too, but right now, our country’s number-one pitcher is An Woo-jin."

He also added, "Nowadays, I often stay in touch with An Woo-jin. He’s doing well in his public service, and as you can see on social media, he’s throwing the ball with impressive skill. He’s a monster."

Meanwhile, Ryu Ji-hyun, the new manager of the baseball national team, recently stated regarding An Woo-jin's selection, "There must be consensus across the baseball community. It’s a matter that requires cautious approach, as there should be agreement not only among the players but also from fans and the media."

An Woo-jin dominated the league last year with a record of 15 wins and 8 losses in 30 games, pitching 196 innings with 224 strikeouts and an earned run average of 2.11. However, he was unable to join the WBC national team in 2023 due to a school violence controversy during his high school years.

Having undergone Tommy John surgery and enlisted in the military, An Woo-jin is expected to be discharged on September 17.