LG Twins’ Cho Won-tae Eyes 2026 Breakthrough After military Service
LG Twins left-handed pitcher Cho Won-tae is resolute to make 2026 his year, embarking on a challenging path to rejoin the KBO League’s elite after fulfilling his mandatory military service.The 2022 rookie draft’s first-round pick is focused on regaining form and competing for a spot in a crowded LG pitching rotation.
Cho Won-tae, a product of Toseong Elementary School, Konkuk University Middle School, and Seonlin Internet High School, made an immediate impact upon entering the KBO, recording four scoreless innings across two games. His progress was temporarily halted in 2023 when he entered military service, returning to active duty in May of last year.
ahead of the 2026 season, Cho is fully committed to a successful comeback. “It’s been 3 years as spring camp,” he stated to reporters before departing for training. “As I was lucky enough to go to the United States, my first goal is to show that I have built my body well and leave the perception that I am in good condition. Then, I can go to Japan and the exhibition games as long as I don’t get sick.” He outlined a step-by-step approach, aiming to secure a place on the opening day roster.
The path won’t be easy.Cho Won-tae faces stiff competition from a group of promising left-handed pitchers including Park Jun-seong, jo Joon-hee, Song Seung-gi, Ham deok-ju, and Lachlan Wells. Though, he expressed unwavering confidence in his ability to overcome the challenge. “If I don’t win here, I won’t be able to play anywhere,” he asserted. “I’m imagining winning a lot. I’m approaching the image training itself with positive thoughts. I’ve prepared a lot in the off-season, so I think there can be good results.”
Cho Won-tae emphasized his fastball as a key strength, stating, “I’m confident about my fastball. I’m confident that I won’t get hit by throwing a fastball. If I’m playing a game, I have the ability to beat the batter by looking in the middle and throwing hard.” He also detailed his off-season work on his breaking ball, specifically a slider he felt was “floating,” focusing on increasing its speed and reducing its movement. He’s also been developing a changeup and splitter to expand his repertoire.
Despite not having seen official game action since his discharge, cho Won-tae has been diligently working to refine his mechanics and build strength. He completed a three-month military discharge program unique to the LG Twins, began throwing in the third team at the end of July, and worked with coach Choi Sang-deok to address balance issues. His efforts culminated in a maximum fastball velocity of 148km/h during the Ulsan fall league.
The success of his peers – Moon dong-ju (Hanwha Eagles, 2023 Rookie of the Year), Kim Do-young (KIA Tigers, 2024 MVP), and Ahn Hyun-min (KT Wiz, 2025 Rookie of the Year) – has served as a powerful motivator. “I definitely played baseball with scary friends,” Cho Won-tae admitted. “I think I can do it well as my friends are good at it.” He explained a shift in mindset, moving from simply wanting to achieve similar success to believing he can achieve it.
The KBO Rookie of the Year award remains a potential goal, with eligibility extending to players who joined within the past five years and have not exceeded specific innings pitched (30) or at-bats (60). With 2026 looming, this season represents a crucial opportunity for Cho won-tae.
He acknowledged the Rookie of the Year award as a desired outcome but emphasized a pragmatic, incremental approach. “First of all, my goal is to do well in the United States, survive, and then go to Okinawa.If I go to Okinawa, my goal is to go to the exhibition game. When I get to the exhibition game, my goal is to be in the (opening) group. I will try to slowly climb up one step at a time.”
