Go Woo-suk spurns LG Twins offer, stays with Tigers system

News Briefing

AI Summary

Key Point

Former KBO All-Star closer Go Woo-suk has declined an offer from the LG Twins to return to South Korea, choosing to remain in the Detroit Tigers organization and continue his pursuit of a Major League Baseball roster spot, The Korea Times reported Tuesday.

What Happened

The decision ends the Twins' bid to plug a closer vacancy created when reliever You Young-chan was sidelined with an elbow injury, and highlights the growing tension Korean baseball teams face as more of their stars chase MLB contracts abroad.

Former KBO All-Star closer Go Woo-suk has declined an offer from the LG Twins to return to South Korea, choosing to remain in the Detroit Tigers organization and continue his pursuit of a Major League Baseball roster spot, The Korea Times reported Tuesday.

The decision ends the Twins' bid to plug a closer vacancy created when reliever You Young-chan was sidelined with an elbow injury, and highlights the growing tension Korean baseball teams face as more of their stars chase MLB contracts abroad.

LG Twins General Manager Cha Myeong-seok traveled to the United States last Thursday to meet personally with Go and make the case for a return, according to The Korea Times. Despite the direct appeal, Go, 27, told the club official he intended to stay in the Tigers' system.

Go built his reputation as one of the KBO's most dominant closers during five seasons with the Twins, recording 139 saves from 2019 to 2023 — the most in the league over that span. He earned two KBO All-Star selections in that stretch.

He signed with the San Diego Padres in January 2024, becoming the latest Korean pitcher to seek an MLB opportunity. The Padres traded him to the Miami Marlins in May 2024 before he appeared in a major league game, and the Marlins released him in June 2025 after he reached Triple-A.

The Detroit Tigers signed Go to a minor league deal in June 2025. He posted a 4.29 ERA in 14 outings for their Triple-A affiliate, the Toledo Mud Hens, then re-signed with Detroit on a minor league deal in December 2025. Go also pitched for South Korea at the 2026 World Baseball Classic in March before returning to the Tigers' system.

His recent form has been sharp: across 10 outings split between Triple-A and Double-A this season, he carries a 2.40 ERA with 24 strikeouts in 15 innings, according to The Korea Times.

"We have decided to respect Go Woo-suk's decision," the LG Twins said, according to The Korea Times.

Go remains with the Erie SeaWolves, Detroit's Double-A affiliate. **Editorial note: This story carries no verifiable Orange County local angle. Publication in OC LifeHub requires additional local reporting — such as OC community reaction or a local tie — before it meets the outlet's editorial standards.**

This article was written by OC LifeHub staff with AI assistance, based on reporting by The Korea Times, and fact-checked against the source.