Jo Won-bin Homers for Criollos in Puerto Rico
The South Korean outfielder hit a three-run home run in a Puerto Rico Winter League game against Leones de Ponce.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Baseball
Jo Won-bin hit a three-run home run over the left-field fence for Criollos de Caguas against Leones de Ponce in the Puerto Rico Winter League. The game was played on November 7 Korean time, and he went 1 hit, 1 walk and 2 hit-by-pitches in 2 at-bats.
Why it matters
The performance adds to the profile of a player who won the World Power Showcase Home Run Derby in 2020 and signed with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2022. A strong winter showing can matter for a prospect whose path to the majors is still developing.
Across High Single-A Peoria and Double-A Springfield in 2026, Jo Won-bin recorded 20 home runs and 30 stolen bases, with a .882 OPS at Peoria and a .905 OPS at Springfield. His Double-A line was a .272 average with 12 home runs and 7 stolen bases in 54 games.
The players
Jo Won-bin
A South Korean outfielder who won the World Power Showcase Home Run Derby in 2020 and has risen through the St. Louis Cardinals system.
Criollos de Caguas
A Puerto Rico Winter League club based in Caguas that fielded Jo Won-bin in the game against Leones de Ponce.
Leones de Ponce
A Puerto Rico Winter League club based in Ponce that played against Criollos de Caguas in the November 7 game.
St. Louis Cardinals
A Major League Baseball franchise that signed Jo Won-bin in January 2022 and assigned him to its minor league affiliates.
The details
Jo Won-bin started as the eighth right fielder in the game against Leones de Ponce. His three-run shot came in the second inning with two outs and runners on first and second, and he also drew a walk in his first at-bat that inning.
Timeline
November 2020: Won the World Power Showcase Home Run Derby as Korea's representative.
January 2022: Signed with the St. Louis Cardinals for 500,000 dollars.
2025: Dealt with an ulnar bone injury.
Early June 2026: Named Midwest League Player of the Week.
November 7, 2026: Hit the three-run home run for Criollos de Caguas.
Season Trajectory
Jo Won-bin's progression from High Single-A to Double-A and then into Puerto Rico Winter League play extends the path many Korean prospects have taken toward Major League Baseball. If he debuts in 2027, he would become the 31st Korean player in MLB history.
The home run and stolen-base production give fantasy and prospect watchers a clear read on his offensive profile heading into the next season. His Double-A numbers are the most direct indicator of how close he may be to a major league call-up.
The takeaway
Winter league performance is a useful secondary signal for prospects, but full-season minor league numbers remain the stronger guide to MLB readiness. Readers following Korean players should track both Double-A production and any upcoming roster decisions.
Further reading
For more on prospect development and winter ball, explore our Baseball coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 조선일보.
