LG Twins and Hanwha Eagles Set for 2025 Korean Series Showdown

SEOUL, South Korea — The LG Twins and Hanwha Eagles will face off in the 2025 Korean Series, starting with Game 1 on Sunday at Jamsil Baseball Stadium. The best-of-seven championship round is set to feature two teams with vastly different recent histories in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO).

The Twins, who topped the regular season with a record of 85 wins, 56 losses, and 3 ties, received an automatic bye to the Korean Series. Their last game was over three weeks ago, a 7-3 loss to the NC Dinos. Despite the long layoff, the Twins have prepared a 30-man roster that includes 14 pitchers and 16 position players, aiming for their fourth title in franchise history.

Among the Twins’ key players is first baseman Austin Dean, who hit 31 home runs this season, tying for fifth in the league. Dean, who recently welcomed his second daughter, opted to skip paternity leave to focus on the Series. On the team’s pitching side, Yonny Chirinos and Im Chan-kyu will headline the rotation.

Chirinos made 30 starts during the season, boasting a 3.31 ERA, while Im finished with a 3.03 ERA to rank seventh among KBO pitchers. The Twins last won the championship two years ago against the KT Wiz.

The Eagles are making their first Korean Series appearance since 2006, and they seek their first championship title since 1999. Hanwha finished the regular season in second place at 83 wins, 57 losses, and 4 ties. They earned their spot in the Series by defeating the Samsung Lions 11-2 in the decisive fifth playoff game on Friday.

Rising star Roh Si-hwan, just 24 years old, led the Eagles with 32 home runs and shined in the playoff game, going 4-for-5 with an RBI. Starting pitcher Cody Ponce had a stunning season, winning the pitching Triple Crown with 17 wins, a 1.89 ERA, and a KBO record 252 strikeouts. He pitched five scoreless innings in Friday’s game, further solidifying his status as a key player.

Moon Dong-ju, reliever and MVP of the playoffs, may also play a crucial role in the Series as he could be used as a starter, according to manager Kim Kyung-moon. This matchup is significant, as the Eagles’ success relies on their ability to compete with the well-rounded Twins.

The 2025 Korean Series format is 2-3-2, with games played at both Jamsil Baseball Stadium and Daejeon Hanwha Life Ballpark. Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday at 1 a.m. EDT.