Incheon, South Korea – Players returning to the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) after participating in the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) are facing a significant challenge: readjusting to the time difference. The grueling travel schedule and intense competition have left many struggling with fatigue and disrupted sleep patterns, impacting their performance as they rejoin their club teams. The issue of jet lag affecting KBO players returning from the WBC is becoming a key concern for team management.
LG Twins infielder Shin Min-jae is among those experiencing the difficulties of rapid time zone shifts. After representing South Korea in the WBC, Min-jae rejoined his team for an exhibition game against the SSG Landers on March 19th, and is openly discussing the physical toll. The 30-year-old, who was named to the 30-member WBC national team on March 6th, according to MK Sports, is prioritizing regaining his rhythm over immediate on-field results.
“I woke up at 3:30 this morning,” Min-jae revealed to reporters, visibly tired. He explained that the transition back to Korea has been more difficult than adjusting to the time difference when traveling to Miami for the WBC quarterfinals. The quick turnaround from the United States has made it harder for his body to adapt. Min-jae played in four games during the WBC, recording four at-bats without a hit.
The impact of jet lag isn’t just affecting his sleep schedule; it’s also impacting his play. “The ball was shaking while I was moving,” Min-jae admitted, describing a disconcerting lack of coordination while fielding. He emphasized that overcoming the jet lag is his primary focus, even ahead of regaining his batting form. He acknowledged having practiced extensively in Japan, but stated that his body is currently reacting too slowly, requiring a period of adjustment.
Exhibition Game Performance and Recovery
Despite the fatigue, Min-jae was inserted into the starting lineup for the exhibition game against the SSG Landers on March 19th, alongside teammate Park Hae-min. Catcher Dong-won Park, who played in every game of the WBC, was available as a pinch hitter. Min-jae reached base on a walk in his first at-bat, but finished the game with no hits in two at-bats and one walk.
A day later, on March 20th, Min-jae showed slight improvement, recording one hit and one walk in two at-bats during another exhibition game against the SSG Landers. He reported feeling a little better, noting that he went to bed early the previous night, but still experienced a disrupted sleep pattern, waking up around 11:30 p.m. After initially falling asleep at 10 p.m.
Shin Min-jae’s Career and Recent Success
Shin Min-jae’s journey to becoming a key player for the LG Twins is a notable one. Initially a nurturing player for the Doosan Bears in 2015, he primarily served as a pinch runner until 2022. However, starting in 2023, he became a vital contributor to the team’s success. Over 580 games, he has a batting average of .291 (368 hits in 1,265 at-bats), one home run, 141 RBIs, and 106 stolen bases, with an on-base plus slugging percentage of .723. His performance last year was particularly strong, contributing to LG’s championship run with a .313 batting average (145 hits in 463 at-bats), one home run, 61 RBIs, and 15 stolen bases in 135 games. This success led to a recent contract worth 380 million won for the 2026 season, an increase of 180 million won from his previous salary, as reported by NamuWiki.
Min-jae’s participation in the WBC, and the subsequent challenges of readjusting to the KBO schedule, highlight the demands placed on players who compete on both the international and domestic stages. The LG Twins will be closely monitoring his recovery and adaptation as they prepare for the upcoming KBO season.
As Shin Min-jae and his teammates work to overcome the effects of jet lag, the focus will be on regaining peak physical and mental condition. The LG Twins’ performance in the early part of the season will likely be influenced by how quickly their WBC participants can readjust. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how Min-jae and the rest of the team respond to these challenges.
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