News

Queensland baseball player John Lemm has signed with Major League Baseball franchise the St. Louis Cardinals following a standout senior season in US college baseball.

The Narangba product, who plays catcher and outfield, hit .322 with 10 home runs and 54 RBIs for the University of Alabama in the powerhouse Southeastern Conference (SEC). It was his lone season with the Crimson Tide after spending two years in junior college and one season at Southern Illinois.

The 23-year-old played a key role in Alabama’s run to the College World Series, helping the program reach Omaha for the first time since 1999.

Although Lemm went unselected in last weekend’s MLB Draft, he has since signed with the Cardinals as an undrafted free agent.

He becomes the 26th Australian currently signed to a Major League organisation. His professional career begins immediately, with Lemm reporting to the Cardinals’ player development complex before being assigned to a club within the minor league system.

Fans can track the progress of Australians playing overseas via Aussie Baseball Tracker: https://aussiebaseballtracker.com/.

Lemm is a product of Windsor Royals Baseball Club.

Minor League Baseball and Major League Baseball are currently on the All-Star break, with Sydney’s Travis Bazzana set to represent the American League in the 2026 MLB All-Star Game on Wednesday morning (AEST).

The midway point of the 2026 baseball season is complete!

Let’s check in with how each Australian player is doing in their respective professional season.

Did you know there are 35 Austarlians who play professional baseball around the clock in major leagues around the world? 24 of them are affiliated with an MLB team.

If you’re looking for a quick way to follow along, check out https://aussiebaseballtracker.com/ for live updates. It’s become a daily refresh!

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL / MINOR LEAGUES

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TRAVIS BAZZANA, 2B | Hornsby, NSW | Cleveland Guardians (MLB)
53 GP, .256 AVG, 7 HR, 25 RBI, .350 OBP, .781 OPS

A tremendous rookie season has him ranked third in the betting lists for favourite to win the American League Rookie of the Year. Bazzana has 12 stolen bases to go along with his productive at-bats.

CURTIS MEAD, 1B | Adelaide, SA | Washington Nationals (MLB)
69 GP, .222 AVG, 14 HR, 39 RBI, .320 OBP, .788 OPS

Regular game time brings results. Curtis is now seven homers behind David Nilsson’s single season MLB home run record by an Australia. 

BRANDAN BIDOIS, RHP | Brisbane, QLD | Pittsburgh Pirates (MLB)
14G/0GS, 4.80 ERA, 15.0 IP, 18 K, 1.73 WHIP

After a late-May call-up, Bidois has done enough to hold his own in the Major Leagues. His high pepensity for strikeouts and hihg-90s fast ball leaves him as a valuable mid-to-late game option for the Pirates.

MITCH NEUNBORN, RHP | Perth, WA | Philadelphia Phillies (AAA, Lehigh Valley IronPigs)
5G/0GS, 3.18 ERA, 5.2 IP, 3 K, 2.12 WHIP

He started the season in the injured list but has since returned to action and now pitches in the league below the Majors.

JOSH HENDRICKSON, LHP | Perth, WA | Houston Astros (AAA, Sugar Land Space Cowboys)
11G/7GS, 4.56 ERA, 53.1 IP, 46 K, 1.31 WHIP

Threw 5.0 shutout innings in his latest start. He’s one of the better stories, signing with the Astros after a tremendous ABL and World Baseball Classic Campaign.

NIKAU POUAKA-GREGO, IF | Christchurch, NZ | Philadelphia Phillies (AA, Reading Fightin Phils)
7 GP, .125 AVG, 0 HR, 1 RBI, .300 OBP, .425 OPS

Nikau has bounced around a few different stops in the Phillies system. Has not played since June 13.

BLAKE TOWNSEND, LHP | Tralalgon, VIC | Texas Rangers (AA, Frisco RoughRiders)
12G/11GS, 4.86 ERA, 53.2 IP, 45 K, 1.32 WHIP

Townsend has shifted back to becoming a starter with the Texas Rangers, a new club in 2026. Townsend had a 1.96 ERA in May.

CLAYTON CAMPBELL, C-IF | Sydney, NSW | Detroit Tigers (A+, West Michigan Whitecaps)
53 GP, .255 AVG, 5 HR, 25 RBI, .326 OBP, .706 OPS

The best season of 22-year-old Campbell’s minor league career. He hit .305 in June.

KAI-NOA WYNYARD, RHP | Redcliffe, QLD | Texas Rangers (A+, Hub City Spartanburgers)
19G/0GS, 7.98 ERA, 29.1 IP, 33 K, 1.77 WHIP

A great June to turnaround a shaky start to the season. Wynyard posted a 1.80 ERA in 10.0 June innings with opponents hitting just .129 of the 24-year-old.

MAX DURRINGTON, IF | Gold Coast, QLD | Athletics (A, Stockton Ports)
52 GP, .270 AVG, 1 HR, 22 RBI, .371 OBP, .725 OPS

The 18-year-old has been on a tear lately. He has 8 hits over his last four games, and a .286 average in the month of June.

DREW DAVIES, OF | Adelaide, SA | Cincinnati Reds (A, Daytona Tortugas)
64 GP, .256 AVG, 2 HR, 23 RBI, .412 OBP, .767 OPS

Davies has been flirting with the Florida State League on-base-percentage lead for the bulk of the season. The 20-year-old has reached base 15 games in a row.

BRENT IREDALE, 3B | Sydney, NSW | Pittsburgh Pirates (A, Bradenton Marauders)
25 GP, .188 AVG, 5 HR, 18 RBI, .347 OBP, .747 OPS

Iredale has been torching the ball since returning from injury on June 11. He’s blasted five homers with 15 RBI in his last 12 games.

JAYDEN KIM, IF | Melbourne, VIC| Pittsburgh Pirates (A, Bradenton Marauders)
9 GP, .111 AVG, 0 HR, 1 RBI, .200 OBP, .311 OPS

He’s been moving between the Complex and A-Ball, but it’s still Jayden’s first experience above Rookie Ball.

BAILEY JAY COOKE, RHP | Perth, WA | Athletics (A, Stockton Ports)
14G/0GS, 3.60 ERA, 20.0 IP, 19 K, 1.00 WHIP

BJay spent the last three years of his professional career as an infielder. He moved back to the mound this year and has delivered some tidy numbers. He’s been consistent all year, including a 3.38 ERA in June.

KAILEN HAMSON, LHP | Brisbane, QLD | Baltimore Orioles (A, Delmarva Shorebirds)
16G/4GS, 5.48 ERA, 47.2 IP, 52 K, 1.93 WHIP

A first full-season for Hamson, a 2025 draft pick. He fired off 2.1 shutout innings during his last appearance.

ALISTAIR TANNER, P | Adelaide, SA | Detroit Tigers (A, Lakeland Flying Tigers)
9G/4GS, 6.31 ERA, 25.2 IP, 27 K, 1.44 WHIP

On the 7-day injured list since June 10. Tanner was hoping to build off a solid May where he had a 1.00 ERA and two straight shutout starts.

ADAM BATES, RHP | Sydney, NSW | Boston Red Sox (A, Salem RidgeYaks)
23G/0GS, 8.06 ERA, 41.1 IP, 42 K, 2.13 WHIP

He was a starter in 2025 but a reliever in 2026. Results are starting to come for 20-year-old Bates, who had a 5.56 ERA in June.

ROBINSON SMITH, P | Melbourne, VIC| Pittsburgh Pirates (Rookie, FCL Pirates)
7G/4GS, 2.35 ERA, 23.0 IP, 20 K, 0.96 WHIP

Could a call-up be coming for Roo? His sub 1.00 WHIP will help his case in his first professional season at the Complex League. He allowed just three runs in 15.0 innings in June.

JACK BUSHELL, P | Adelaide, SA| Detroit Tigers (Rookie, FCL Tigers)
7G/6GS, 4.01 ERA, 24.2 IP, 34 K, 1.30 WHIP

What a comeback! Bushell missed all of 2025 with Tommy John Surgery.

PATRICK CROTTY, LHP | Australia | Pittsburgh Pirates (Rookie, FCL Phillies)
7G/1GS, 17.18 ERA, 7.1 IP, 5 K, 2.73 WHIP

Crotty signed in April and was on a plane a week later. The 18-year-old has started his professional journey in the Complex League.

LIAM HENDRIKS, RHP | Perth, WA | Chicago Cubs (Rookie, ACL Cubs)
1G/1GS, 0.00 ERA, 1.0 IP, 2 K, 0.00 WHIP

Hendriks threw in a professional game for the first time in almost a year over the weekend. We should see him shoot up the ranks quite quickly if h’es healthy.

ASHTON KENNEDY, RHP | Blacktown, NSW | Pittsburgh Pirates (Inactive)
No stats

Signed in May – Australia’s most recent professional.

MITCH EVANS, LHP | Adelaide, SA | Detroit Tigers (A, Lakeland Flying Tigers)
No stats

Out for the season and some. Evans injured his elbow and had Tommy John Surgery within the first month of him arriving for professional baseball in March.

RUBENS ROMERO, RHP | Australia | Pittsburgh Pirates (Inactive)
No stats available

KOREA (KBO)

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LACHLAN WELLS, LHP | Newcastle, NSW | LG Twins (KBO League)
13G/13GS, 2.88 ERA, 68.2 IP, 56 K, 1.12 WHIP

Wells has been consistently near the top of the KBO ERA leaderboard all season.

JACK O’LOUGHLIN, LHP | Adelaide, SA | Samsung Lions (KBO League)
15G/15GS, 3.86 ERA, 77.0 IP, 74 K, 1.26 WHIP

Jack has not allowed more than two runs in a start since June 5.

JARRYD DALE, SS | Melbourne, VIC | KIA Tigers (KBO League) — RELEASED June 1
34 GP, .256 AVG, 1 HR, 10 RBI, .338 OBP, .658 OPS

After a hot-start to the season, Jarry was unfortunately released at the beginning of the month.

ALEX HALL, C | Perth, WA | Ulsan Whales (KBO Futures League)
63 GP, .261 AVG, 3 HR, 48 RBI, .365 OBP, .737 OPS

Hall has turned into a key cog in the middle of the second-division Korean side’s line-up.

FRONTIER LEAGUE

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An independent pro league in the USA / Canada.

COOPER MORGAN, LHP | Canberra, ACT | Quebec Capitales (Frontier League)
22G/0GS, 3.28 ERA, 24.2 IP, 32 K, 0.81 WHIP

An oft-used reliever who won the pitcher of the month award for Quebec in May.

JACKSON GROUNDS, RHP | Brisbane, QLD | Trois-Rivières Aigles (Frontier League)
11.88 ERA, 16.2 IP, 21 K, 2.22 WHIP

Traded mid-season after starting in Down East.

KY HAMPTON, RHP | Adelaide, SA | Ottawa Titans (Frontier League)
5G/5GS, 4.88 ERA, 31.1 IP, 24 K, 1.50 WHIP

Missed the first month of the year but is now getting regular starts the Canadian side.

BILLY PARSONS, RHP | Bendigo, VIC | Sussex County Miners (Frontier League)
9G/9GS, 6.80 ERA, 46.1 IP, 48 K, 1.60 WHIP

A former Frontier League All-Star is used more a starter now than his traditional reliever role.

FOREIGN LEAGUES

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JOSH GESSNER, RHP | Sydney, NSW | Tokushima Indigo Socks (Shikoku Island League, Japan)
1 GP, 16.88 ERA, 2.2 IP, 0 K

Just the one appearance for Gessner, who is on the comeback trail after retiring last year.

RIXON WINGROVE, 1B | Newcastle, NSW | Tokushima Indigo Socks (Shikoku Island League, Japan)
17 GP, .327 AVG, 4 HR, 9 RBI 

Hitting with power and consistency. A great start to a Japanese career.

LUKE KRKOVSKI, LHP | Cronulla, NSW | BarbaNegras Tijuana (Mexican League – North)
58.0 IP, 3.82 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, 16 BB, 73 SO

A strong season for Krkovski, his first year as a pro!

READ MORE – Australian Baseball News:

• Baseball Australia launches new Participation Plan
• Meet the Emeralds: A line about each player on the World Cup Roster

 

We’re one month through the professional baseball calendar in the Northern Hemisphere.

I took some time to update you all on how all 44 Australians currently signed to professional contracts are performing at each level they are playing at around the world.

Let’s begin!

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

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Curtis Mead, INF (Washington Nationals)

After a trade on Opening Weekend from the White Sox to the Nationals, the 25-year-old South Australian is beginning to get more play time on the field. On the season, he’s hitting .222 with a career high four homers and 12 RBI with a .310 on-base-percentage across 23 games.

On Wednesday, he had his career best game, going 4-for-5 with a homer.

Travis Bazzana, 2B (Cleveland Guardians)

On April 29, 2026, Travis Bazzana officially became the 39th Australian to ever reach the Major Leagues. He went 0-for-2 with a pair of walks in his first game while playing second base. He earned the call-up after slashing .287/.422/.933 with 2 homers, 10 RBI and 8 stolen bases in 24 games at Triple-A.

There is a great story by Yahoo’s Jordan Shusterman on the Bazzana debut and his support network that can be found here. 

KOREAN BASEBALL ORGANISATION (KBO)

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There are three Australians playing in one of the biggest leagues in the world.

Jarryd Dale, SS (Kia Tigers)

The 26-year-old from Victoria had a ripper start to his Korean professional baseball career. He started the season with a 15-game hit-streak, setting a record for the longest by any player to begin their KIA Tigers career.

In 27 games, Dale is hitting .284 with a homer and six RBI. You can watch his games on Soop TV. Have a google!

Lachlan Wells, LHP (LG Twins)

He’s one of the best pitchers in Korea. Through five starts (31.0 IP), Wells has a 1.16 ERA and 0.84 WHIP.

His three most recent starts:
– 6.0 IP, 3 H, 2 BB, 0 ER, 8 SO
– 8.0 IP, 4 H, 1 BB, 0 ER, 7 SO
– 7.0 IP, 3 H, 0 BB, 1 ER, 3 SO

Add that up and it’s 21.0 IP, 10 H, 3 BB, 1 ER, 18 SO.

Insane from the kid from Newcastle and the Adelaide Giant.

Jack O’Loughlin, LHP (Samsung Tigers)

Adelaide’s O’Louglin is finding a groove. He started the year on a six-week Injury Replacement Contract. The Lions just extended him to the end of May.

O’Loughling has a 4.50 ERA in six starts and 28.0 innings. Although, he’s allowed just four runs in his last 15.1 innings as he continues to settle.

Liam Hendriks, LHP (Unsigned)

The 37-year-old was released by the Minnesota Twins in Free Agency. We’ll monitory him closely to see where one of Australia’s best ever pitchers lands mid-season.

TRIPLE-A (AAA)

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The level below the Major Leagues. Serious talent.

Brandan Bidois, RHP – Indianapolis Indians (Pittsburgh Pirates)

Bidois had one of the best seasons in all of Minor League Baseball in 2025 with a 0.74 ERA across four levels.

He started the year in Triple-A after being added to the 40-man roster in the off-season. The Pirates think they have something special. He has a 4.97 ERA in 12.2 innings of hitter-friendly Triple-A with 18 strikeouts. After a bit of a slow start, Bidois has allowed just one run off three hits over his last 5.1 innings of relief work.

Josh Hendrickson, LHP – Sugar Land Space Cowboys (Houston Astros)

The 28-year-old is one of the feel-good stories in Australian Baseball. After a stellar ABL campaign, a standout World Baseball Classic, and some elite stuff, Hendrickson signed mid-April with the Houston Astros. It marks a return to affiliated ball for first time since 2023.

In two starts (9.1 innings), Hendrickson has allowed just two runs with no walks and ten strikeouts.

DOUBLE-A (AA)

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This is a league with all the top prospects from each organisation. Often you see young players called up directly from Double-A if they show serious potential.

Mitch Neunborn – Reading Fightin’ Phils (Philadelphia Phillies)

The 28-year-old is on the injured list and yet to appear this season.

Nikau Pouaka-Grego, INF – Reading Fightin’ Phils (Philadelphia Phillies)

Yet to appear in a game in 2026, “PG” was called up on April 21 to Double-A. When he enters a game, it will be the highest level he’s played.

Blake Townsend, LHP – Frisco RoughRiders (Texas Rangers)

After a career best season in 2025 with the Pittsburgh Pirates minor leagues, Townsend signed with the Rangers in the off-season. The 25-year-old is being converted to a starter. In four games so far, he has a 6.75 ERA in 16.0 innings with 13 strikeouts.

High-A (A+)

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The second level above Complex / Rookie League. It’s filled with players who impressed in Single-A and are in a true evaluation period by Major League clubs.

Clayton Campbell, INF – West Michigan White Caps (Detroit Tigers)

It’s the highest level the 22-year-old from Sydney has ever played, in the fifth year of a seven year minor league contract. It’s time to see how Campbell does amongst some top prospects.

So far, Campbell is hitting .267 with 1 HR and 7 RBI in 16 games while playing first base, third base and catcher. He’s coming off a three-hit game, the best of his season, on April 29.

Kai-Noa Wynyard, RHP – Hub City Spartanburgers (Texas Rangers)

Wynyard has a 22.74 ERA in five appearances (6.1 innings) so far this season. It’s the sixth year in the minor leagues for the 23-year-old from Brisbane.

 

SINGLE-A (A)

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The first level above Complex / Rookie League. It’s the lowest of the affiliated travel ball competitions, often filled with young players learning to become professionals.

Adam Bates, RHP – Salem RidgeYaks (Boston Red Sox)

The 19-year-old from Sydney is in his second full season above Rookie Ball. In 13.1 innings, Bates has a 11.48 ERA in 8 appearances from the bullpen.

Drew Davies, 1B – Daytona Tortugas (Cincinatti Reds)

Davies was called up above Rookie Ball for the first time in 2025. This is the first full-year at this level for the 20-year-old and reigning ABL Rookie of the Year.

Davies is hitting .258 in 21 games with 5 RBI and an outstanding .458 on-base-percentage. He’s played all but one game at first base.

Max Durrington, OF – Stockton Ports (Athletics)

The 19-year-old from the Gold Coast is in his first full-season above Rookie Ball. In 19 games, Durrington has a .261 average with a .366 OBP. He has swiped seven bags. Durrington has played a mix of second base, left field and centrefold.

Kailen Hamson, LHP – Delmarva Shorebirds (Orioles)

It’s Hamson’s first minor league experience after being drafted in the 8th round of the 2025 MLB draft out of Cumberlands University. Hamson has appeared in five games and made three starts. He has an 8.62 ERA in 15.2 innings with 17 strikeouts.

The 24-year-old from Brisbane is coming off his best outing to date on April 25, where he fired off 3.2 innings of hitless, shutout ball with six strikeouts.

Brent Iredale, INF – Bradenton Mauraders (Pittsburgh Pirates)

It’s the first full-season as a professional for Iredale, who was drafted in the seventh round of the 2025 MLB Draft after a standout college career. The 22-year-old from Sydney played 12 games, going 1-for-36 before being placed on a 10-day injured on April 20.

Alistair Tanner, RHP – Lakeland Flying Tigers (Detroit Tigers)

This is the first experience for the 19-year-old South Australian at a level above Rookie Ball. With a 96mph fastball, there is serious potential.

Tanner has an 11.57 ERA in four games (two starts) across 9.1 innings.

ROOKIE LEAGUES

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Competitions based out of MLB team’s headquarters / complexes in either Florida, Arizona or Dominican Republic. It’s a place where players go when they first enter the professional system or are rehabbing an injury.

Jack Bushell, RHP – Detroit Tigers (Complex)

Bushell missed all of 2025 with an elbow injury and in recovery from Tommy John surgery. He’s at the Detroit complex in Florida, working out and inching closer to a return to game action.

BJay Cooke, RHP – Athletics (Complex)

After spending the last few years as an infielder, 23-year-old Cooke is being converted back to a pitcher.

Patrick Crotty, RHP – Philadelphia Phillies (Complex)

Australia’s most recent MLB signing. 17-year-old Crotty has landed in the USA and begins his journey as a professional in Florida. Here’s a recent story on him by the ABC. 

Mitch Evans, RHP – Detroit Tigers (Complex)

One of Australia’s newest signings, 18-year-old Mitch Evans left South Australia in mid-February for Florida. Unfortunately, quite quickly he sustained an elbow injury and underwent Tommy John Surgery. He’ll mis the entire 2026 season.

Jayden Kim, INF – Pittsburgh Pirates (Florida)

Now in his third season, the 19-year-old Victorian is working out at the Complex in the USA after a couple years in the Dominican Republic. 

Rubens Romero, RHP – Pittsburgh Pirates (Dominican)

I believe Rubens is rehabbing an injury sustained in late 2024. He has not pitched since then.

Juan Manuel Ramirez, RHP – Toronto Blue Jays (Complex League)

Games have not started yet in the Complex Leagues. But Ramirez is working out and training in Florida getting ready for some local games.

Robinson Smith, RHP – Pittsburgh Pirates (Florida)

The 18-year-old was only signed last year and now enters year two as a pro. Via his Instagram, it looks like Robinson is throwing well in Florida as he continues to work out at the Complex.

FRONTIER LEAGUE (USA / CANADA)

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One of the main three Independent (non-affiliated) baseball leagues in the USA. There are a number of Australians in the Frontier League.

The 2026 regular season will begin on Thursday, May 7th, with all 18 teams once again set to compete across the U.S. and Canada. The season runs through September. Australians have already reported to camp. Here is the list:

– RHP Jackson Grounds (Brisbane / Brisbane Bandits) at the Down East Bird Dawgs
– RHP Ky Hampton (Adelaide/ Adelaide Giants) at the Down East Bird Dawgs
– LHP Cooper Morgan (Canberra / Adelaide Giants) at the Quebec Capitales
– RHP Billy Parsons (Bendigo / Melbourne Aces) at the Sussex County Miners

OTHER LEAGUES AROUND THE WORLD

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Here are some notes on other Aussies signed pro:

Luke Krkovski, LHP, BarbaNegras Tijuana (Mexico)

The 23-year-old from Cronulla joins the minor leagues in Mexico on his first professional contract. The season runs from April to July, 2026. We’ve yet to see any official stats registered for Krkovski.

Briley Knight, OF, Billings Mustangs (Pioneer League)

Knight is slated to return to the independent league for a third season. The competition begins May 19.

Banana Ball

There are two players playing the Banana Ball League.

Liam Spence (Geelong) has become a fan favourite with the Firefighters. Brett Allen (Newcastle), known as ‘The Wonder From Down Under’, is playing with the Texas Tailgaters. 

WOMEN’S PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL LEAGUE (WPBL)

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Schedule to begin on August 1. In fact, the schedule was just released. The season will run about six weeks across Los Angeles, Boston, New York and San Francisco.

Here are the nine drafted Australians in the WPBL:
– Chloe Atkinson, C (New York)
– Allie Bebbere, RHP (Boston)
– Leah Cornish, C (Los Angeles)
– Maddison Erwin, RHP (New York)
– Caitlin Eynon, INF/RHP (Los Angeles)
– Ticara Geldenhuis, OF (Boston)
– Claire O’Sullivan, 1B/RHP (New York)
– Elodie O’Sullivan, OF  (Los Angeles)
– Molly Paddison, OF (Boston)

Three Australian baseball players will start the season in the top level of Korean Baseball (KBO).

Infielder Jarryd Dale (Victoria), left-handed pitcher Jack O’Loughlin (South Australia) and left-handed pitcher Lachlan Wells (New South Wales) have all cracked the Opening Day Rosters of their respective KBO teams.

The KBO season is scheduled to begin on Saturday 28 March. Fans can find free Korean streams on SoopTV via https://www.sooplive.com/ 

You can read about each of the players below.

Unfortunately, no Australians have made an Opening Day Roster in Major League Baseball (MLB). Liam Hendriks was released by the Minnesota Twins earlier in the week, while Curtis Mead was optioned to Triple-A by the Chicago White Sox on Thursday.

Major League Baseball, the premier competition in the sport, begins its regular season on March 27. Sixteen (16) players with Australian Baseball League experience are on Opening Day Rosters. 

Curtis Mead, Brandan Bidois (Pirates / Queensland) and Travis Bazzana (Guardians / New South Wales) are all considered high chances of playing in Major League Baseball at some point this season.

In total, 22 Australians are currently affiliated with MLB organisations, while more than 30 players are competing professionally around the world.

In Korea, three Australians will feature in the KBO’s Opening Day slate.

Victorian infielder Jarryd Dale will make his Korean professional debut with the Kia Tigers when they face SSG Landers on March 28. The 2026 World Baseball Classic representative enters the highest level of his career to date.

Left-hander Lachlan Wells has been named to the defending champion LG Twins roster. The Newcastle product, who also starred for the Adelaide Giants in the Australian Baseball League, returns to Korea after time with the Kiwoom Heroes in 2025. The Twins open their title defence against KT Wiz on March 28, with games available via SOOP.

South Australian Jack O’Loughlin will begin the season with the Samsung Lions. The left-hander joins on a six-week injury replacement contract but has the opportunity to extend his stay across the full campaign. O’Loughlin, Australia’s most recent Major Leaguer, will face the Lotte Giants on Opening Day, with coverage also available on SOOP.

While several Australians have secured Opening Day spots, a number of rising talents remain within reach of the game’s top levels.

Top prospect Travis Bazzana is set to begin the season in Triple-A with Columbus, one step below the Major Leagues.  The 23-year-old is widely expected to make his MLB debut with the Cleveland Guardians later this year.

Right-hander Brandan Bidois is another name to watch. The Brisbane product enjoyed a breakout 2025 season in the Pittsburgh Pirates system, earning Minor League Pitcher of the Year honours. He is expected to open in Triple-A and could be among the first call-ups.

Infielder Curtis Mead is likely a first call-up by the Chicago White Sox this season. The 25-year-old from Adelaide has spent parts of three seasons in Major League Baseball with the Rays and White Sox.

Veteran Liam Hendriks is currently a free agent after being released by the Minnesota Twins earlier this week. The 37-year-old remains one of Australia’s most accomplished pitchers and is seeking his next opportunity in Major League Baseball.

Australian national team pitcher Jack O’Loughlin has signed in Korea.

Australia’s most recent Major Leaguer has inked a Temporary Foreign Replacement Player deal with the Samsung Lions in the KBO.

Foreign Replacement Player contracts run for six weeks. It is the same type of deal Coen Wynne and Lachlan Wells signed during the 2026 season.

He replaces import pitcher Matt Manning, who was ruled out for the season after rupturing an elbow ligament. It means if Jack pitches well, he has every shot at making this a permanent deal.

The contract is worth $50,000 USD for the six weeks.

The 26-year-old O’Loughlin is coming off a strong World Baseball Classic campaign. He fired 3.0 shutout innings in a win over Chinese Taipei, then followed with 3.1 innings against Korea, allowing just one unearned run. That adds up to a 0.00 ERA against two of the best baseball nations in the world.

It builds on a solid ABL season. O’Loughlin led the league with 62 strikeouts, posted a 3.91 ERA, and was a finalist for the Pitcher of the Year Award.

The South Autralian’s back half of the season was particularly eye-catching. O’Loughlin allowed just one run across his final 14.0 regular season innings. In Game 1 of the ABL Championship Series, he delivered against the Sydney Blue Sox, allowing just two hits over 7.0 innings while retiring 16 straight batters in a walk-off Game 1 victory.

O’Loughlin made his MLB debut in 2024 with the Athletics. He pitched 9.2 innings and allowed five runs. He spent the 2025 season with the Colorado Rockies.

O’Loughlin joins three other Australians signed to Korea deals. Shortstop Jarryd Dale has a full contract with the KIA Tigers. Lachlan Wells landed with defending champions LG Twins. Alex Hall will play in the Korean Futures league with the Ulsan Whales.

“I heard about Korean professional baseball through foreign players who played in the KBO league,” said O’Loughlin in an interview. “I played in the same team in Australia with left-handed pitcher Lee Seung-hyun. I want to contribute to the victory of Samsung Lions.”

Lee Seung-hyun and O’Loughlin pitched in the 2023-24 season with the Adelaide Giants en route to an ABL title.

Samsung is coming off a strong season in 2025 where they lost in the third round of the KBO playoffs. The Korean season begins March 28.

Jack is a product of Port Adelaide Baseball Club.