Samsung Lions Announce 2026 Spring Training Schedule, Key Players Depart Early
Table of Contents
The Samsung Lions professional baseball team has unveiled its comprehensive spring training schedule for 2026, kicking off with camps in Guam and Okinawa, Japan. Several players, including Choi Hyung-woo and Kang Min-ho, are already departing for early training as the team prepares for the upcoming season and the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Two-Phase Training Approach
Continuing a strategy implemented last year, the Lions will split their spring training into two phases. The frist team will initially convene in Guam,a U.S. territory, before relocating to Okinawa, Japan.According to a team announcement released on January 13th, this approach allows for a focused progression from basic conditioning to more competitive game preparation.
The team is scheduled to depart for Guam from Incheon International Airport on january 23rd. Following a day of rest on January 24th, full-scale training will commence on January 25th, emphasizing fundamental skills with a rotation of three training days followed by one day of rest. Players will return to Incheon International airport on February 9th, promptly transferring to Okinawa for the second phase of training.
Okinawa: A Familiar Training Ground and WBC Preparation
Okinawa holds a special significance for the Samsung Lions,having utilized Akama Stadium in Onna Village as a training base since 2005. The team will leverage this established infrastructure for intensive preparation, including two practice games against the Korean national team in anticipation of the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC).
Beyond WBC preparation, the Lions have scheduled a robust exhibition slate. they will face the Hanwha Eagles twice, and play single matches against the LG Twins, KT Wiz, KIA Tigers, and the Japanese professional baseball team, yomiuri Giants. The Okinawa portion of the training camp will conclude on March 9th, with the team returning to Gimhae Airport.
Futures Team and Individual Schedules
The Lions’ Futures team, under the guidance of coach Ryoji Moriyama, will begin their training at gyeongsan Ball Park on January 25th.They will follow a similar schedule until January 31st, before heading to Okinawa on February 1st. The Futures team’s Okinawa schedule concludes on February 23rd, after which they will move to Kagoshima, Japan, on February 24th to participate in the Oidon League, with six scheduled games and a return to Incheon International Airport on march 5th.
Several players will adhere to separate schedules due to their commitments to the WBC national team. Koo Ja-wook, Won Tae-in, and Bae Chan-seung will follow the national team’s itinerary. Foreign pitcher Ariel Jurado is slated to join the Panama national team,with his joining date contingent on the tournament’s outcome. Foreign batsman Llewin Diaz will initially follow the Futures Team schedule, joining the first team upon their arrival in Okinawa on February 9th.
Notably,a group of players focused on rehabilitation have already begun their preparations.Choi Ji-kwang, Kim Moo-shin, Lee Jae-hee, and Park Seung-gyu departed for Guam on January 5th. Joining them in early departure are Kim Jae-yoon, Choi Hyeong-woo, Kang Min-ho, Ryu Ji-hyuk, and right-hander Lee Seung-hyun.
