Australia international star Jack O'Loughlin lands deal with KBO's Samsung Lions
Left-handed pitcher Jack O'Loughlin, who represented World No. 11 Australia at the 2023 and 2026 World Baseball Classic, signed a deal with the Samsung Lions of the Korea Baseball Organisation (KBO) league.
O' Loughlin will replace import pitcher Matt Manning, who is out for the season after rupturing an elbow ligament. His deal is temporary and will cover six weeks, but the Lions could trigger a clause and make it permanent.
"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."
Born in March 2000, O'Laughlin became the latest Aussie player to make a Major League Baseball (MLB) debut when he took the mound for the Oakland Athletics on May 26, 2024.
He pitched in the 2025-26 Australian Baseball League (ABL), contributing to the Adelaide Giants third Claxton Shield in four years. O'Loughlin led the league in strikeouts with 62.
In the 2026 World Baseball Classic, the left-hander pitched two games, against Chinese Taipei and Korea, and allowed only an unearned run in 6.1 innings.
Baseball Australia stated: "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."
Dale and Hall represented Australia at the WBSC Premier12 2024. Wells represented Australia at the 2017 World Baseball Classic.