San Francisco Giants new manager Tony Bytello said he strongly supports players’ participation in the World Baseball Classic.
In an interview at the Major League Winter Meeting held in Orlando, Florida on the 10th (Korea time), Bytelo said, “I think WBC is phenomenal,” expressing his thoughts on WBC to be held in March next year.
WBC has been criticized for interfering with players’ preparation for the season in that it is held during the Major League’s spring camp. Despite these concerns, the competition has grown steadily, and the sixth competition is set to be held in 2026.
사진 확대 Tony Bytello, the new San Francisco director. Photo = AP= Courtesy of Yonhap News
In San Francisco, several players, including Lee Jung-hoo, will leave the team during the camp to participate in the WBC.
“I think there’s a lot of different opinions. Depending on what the player needs, they will approach it as a case-by-case. In particular, in the case of pitchers, the condition of their arms or their innings will be important. But overall, I think this event is the most fun sporting event I’ve ever witnessed,” he said.
He said he had never seen the WBC in person, “When something happens at any time, there are pros and cons. There will also be downsides. But I think this event is truly phenomenal. So if the players choose to participate or are in good enough physical or arm condition to participate, I would fully support it. It’s worth taking that level of difficulty,” he said, adding that he would support participation if there were no health problems.
He became a major league manager for the first time after serving as a manager of the Tennese era, and he is spending time figuring out the squad. He explained that he is preparing a schedule to meet the players in person “next week or the first week of January.”
Regarding the composition of the coaching staff, which has not yet been officially announced, he said, “I never want to retreat in any way,” adding, “If you ask when the announcement will be made, it will be announced soon.”
사진 확대 Lee Jung-hoo is also expected to participate in the 2026 WBC. 사진=AFPBBNews=News1
“It’s interesting, it’s hectic,” he said, who is experiencing the winter meeting for the first time as a major league manager. As a member of the team, I feel tremendous pressure to do something. I’ve met a lot of people,” he said, also about the first winter meeting he experienced.
Regarding the roster composition, “I think it’s a really fun roster. It’s similar to the college team. This is because the squad changes a lot with graduation and draft. have a solid playing field. At least each has his or her own role. They are expected to play as the main players of the team. There will be open competition in some places here. I think this combination already has a high-quality roster,” he said.
“We are discussing ‘what part can be developed’ when talking about recruiting players with the front or the players we currently have. In particular, it is impressive that a lot of weight is placed on discussions on how to develop the players they currently have. Some of the parts we need will be filled with players who have found their true selves or more experienced players. However, at the same time, I know that the other 29 teams also have ambitions to recruit players who can create synergy in both offense and defense,” he said, signaling that he is considering strengthening his power.
[KIM JAE HO, MK Sports Reporter]