LG's Proven Trio of Foreign Players Plus Wells: The Most Perfect Formula for a Second Consecutive Championship

[Financial News] The influence of foreign players in the KBO League is undeniable. The saying that 'they account for more than half of a team's success' is hardly an exaggeration. This also highlights the inherent uncertainty they bring. However, the LG Twins, who claimed the unified championship in the 2025 season, were the first to eliminate this uncertainty—and did so most decisively. As the hot stove season continues, LG has already cleared most of the path toward a 2026 championship.
The LG Twins have finalized their foreign player roster. On the 2nd, LG re-signed Austin Dean (total $1.7 million), Yonny Chirinos ($1.4 million), and William Tolhurst ($1.2 million). Then, on the 18th, they completed the puzzle by signing left-hander Lachlan Wells for $200,000 under the Asia quota. This lineup means much more than just 're-signing' players.



Perhaps most encouraging is the retention of proven talent. Austin Dean is a constant force in LG's lineup, posting a .315 batting average, 86 home runs, and 322 RBIs over three seasons. Even in an injury-shortened 2025 season, he managed 31 home runs and 95 RBIs. His presence brings irreplaceable stability to the batting order. The same goes for the mound. With Yonny Chirinos, who notched 13 wins, and William Tolhurst, the 'final piece' of the championship puzzle, returning, LG's pitching calculations for next season are crystal clear. The absence of an adaptation risk is a powerful advantage that rival teams simply do not possess.
The finishing touch is the addition of Lachlan Wells through the Asia quota. This move is highly significant. Essentially, LG now enjoys the benefit of having three foreign pitchers. Wells proved his competitiveness in the KBO League last season as a replacement player for the Kiwoom Heroes. His command and game management have already been thoroughly validated.



With this, LG has gained overwhelming flexibility in managing its starting rotation. The team can now operate a de facto 'three-foreign-starter' system with Yonny Chirinos, William Tolhurst, and Lachlan Wells. In a grueling 144-game season, an injury or slump from a foreign pitcher can be devastating. But with the reliable card of Wells, LG has completely offset that risk. For manager Youm Kyoung-youb, the only remaining task is to solidify two domestic starters—a scenario as ideal as it gets. Considering available options like Choi Won-tae, Lim Chan-kyu, and Son Ju-young, building a 'kingdom of starters' is well within reach.
Of course, there are some regrets. The departure of Hyun-soo Kim, the team's spiritual leader, is a painful loss. Yet LG has remained steady. By retaining center fielder Park Hae-min, the club minimized any defensive and baserunning setbacks. The void left by Kim can be filled by Austin Dean and the existing lineup, along with the development of young power hitters. In fact, by significantly strengthening the pitching staff, LG has maximized the completeness of its 'defensive baseball.'



Winning a championship is about more than just raw talent. However, overwhelming strength dramatically increases the odds of victory. LG has maintained its championship-caliber roster and shrewdly utilized the Asia quota system to further bolster its pitching staff.
Next season, the LG Twins are more than just title contenders. Beyond the glory of 2025, they have assembled the most formidable roster to establish an 'LG dynasty.' Having completed their offseason tasks faster and more perfectly than anyone, LG's focus is already on the 2026 season opener.


jsi@fnnews.com Jeon Sang-il Reporter