The KT Wiz, boasting a golden balance of offense and defense, are set to face off against the Samsung Lions, who are riding high on their playoff momentum. The Korean Series (KS), which determines the ultimate champion of the professional baseball season, kicks off on November 3.
KT and Samsung will clash in the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO postseason Korean Series (best-of-seven format) starting on November 3. The first game is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. (KST) at KT’s home field, Suwon KT Wiz Park.
This marks the first postseason encounter between the two teams.
However, they share a history from the 2021 regular season, when they engaged in a fierce battle for the title.
That year, both KT and Samsung finished with identical records of 76 wins, 9 ties, and 59 losses, necessitating a tiebreaker to determine the regular season champion. KT clinched that game 1-0, securing the top spot and ultimately achieving their first overall championship by winning the Korean Series.
KT: A Well-Rounded Powerhouse With a Formidable Rotation and Potent Offense
This season, KT fiercely competed for the top spot against teams like Samsung and the LG Twins, ultimately claiming the regular season championship with an impressive second-half surge.
Their second-half winning percentage soared to an impressive .754 (43 wins, 4 ties, 14 losses). Notably, they set a new franchise record with a ten-game winning streak towards the end of the regular season.
KT’s greatest strength lies in their balanced lineup of both pitchers and hitters.
They led the league with a team batting average of .286 and recorded a team earned run average (ERA) of 4.14, placing second. This balance showcases their prowess on both sides of the ball.
Their starting rotation is particularly formidable.
With foreign arms Logan Allen and Davis Daniel, alongside top domestic talents like Ko Young-pyo and So Hyung-jun, KT boasts a deep well of starting options. Veterans Bae Je-seong and Oh Won-seok, with extensive starting experience, bolster the bullpen, expanding their pitching strategy.
The bullpen features a diverse array of arms. Right-handers like Hold King Sugimoto Goki and Son Dong-hyun, alongside lefty Jeon Yong-ju, sidearm pitcher Woo Gyu-min, and submariner Kim Jung-woon, provide depth and versatility.
While not overwhelmingly dominant, the addition of Bae Je-seong and Oh Won-seok allows for flexible pitcher utilization. League-leading closer Park Young-hyun can also be deployed as early as the 8th inning, depending on the situation.
At the plate, leadoff hitter Choi Won-joon, who racked up 208 hits during the regular season, and Sam Hilliard, who crushed 44 home runs, anchor the offense.
Although An Hyun-min had limited appearances due to injuries, his power potential can’t be overlooked. Veteran players like Kim Hyun-soo, Kim Sang-soo, and Heo Kyung-min bring valuable big-game experience to the lineup.
Notably, Kim Hyun-soo has three Korean Series titles under his belt, Kim Sang-soo boasts four, and Heo Kyung-min has three. Combined, these three players bring a wealth of championship experience totaling ten titles.
While KT lacks any glaring weaknesses, some critics feel their foreign one-two punch could pack more of a punch.
Although Logan and Daniel have performed reliably, they may not be considered an overpowering duo. There’s even speculation that Ko Young-pyo, a domestic pitcher, might get the nod for Game 1 of the Korean Series instead of a foreign arm.
Samsung: Aiming For an Upset With Head-to-Head Success and Playoff Momentum
Samsung is the only team that holds a winning record against KT in the regular season.
This year, they faced KT 16 times, coming out on top with 9 wins and 7 losses. Their ability to compete well against the regular-season champs gives them a confidence boost heading into the series.
Most importantly, they’ve caught fire in the postseason. Samsung dropped the opener against the KIA Tigers in the playoffs but bounced back to take games 2 and 3. After a tough battle in Game 4, they secured their spot in the Korean Series with a decisive 6-1 victory in Game 5.
While the physical toll of a five-game series is a concern, they’ve sharpened their competitive edge and gained confidence in high-pressure situations.
Samsung’s bats struggled in the playoff opener but found their groove in subsequent games.
The heart of the order, featuring Gu Ja-wook, Lewin Diaz, and Choi Hyung-woo, can match KT’s firepower. The top of the lineup, led by Kim Ji-chan and Park Seung-kyu, along with the bottom of the order featuring Kim Young-woong and Ryu Ji-hyuk, provides a well-rounded attack.
While Samsung’s rotation may not match KT’s depth on paper, their key arms are battle-tested. Ariel Jurado, who notched two wins in the playoffs en route to Most Value Player (MVP) honors, anchors the staff. Chris Paddack, who bounced back strong in Game 4 after a rough start, is another reliable option.
The foreign one-two punch of Jurado and Paddack is viewed as potentially more impactful than KT’s Logan and Daniel duo.
However, Samsung’s domestic starters fall short compared to KT’s depth. The use of Won Tae-in has emerged as a crucial variable for the Korean Series.
After closer Kim Jae-yoon’s injury in the playoffs, Samsung made a bold move by shifting Won Tae-in to the bullpen. This led to Paddack needing to pitch again on just three days’ rest.
If Won Tae-in remains in the bullpen for the Korean Series, Samsung will face challenges in structuring their rotation. Additionally, Paddack and Jurado, who pitched in Games 4 and 5 of the playoffs, will likely be unavailable for the series opener.
Samsung is expected to start Choi Won-tae in Game 1, followed by Paddack in Game 2 and Jurado in Game 3, creating a rotation that maximizes their chances.
Ultimately, for Samsung to increase their odds of dethroning regular-season champion KT, they need to capitalize on every opportunity when their foreign one-two punch takes the mound.
