Davis Daniel, Choi Won-tae Named Korean Series Game 1 Starters

Davis Daniel will start for the KT Wiz against Choi Won-tae of the Samsung Lions in Game 1 of the 2026 Korean Series on Tuesday, November 3, at Suwon KT Wiz Park.

The two managers announced the matchup during Monday’s Korean Series media day. It creates a sharp contrast: KT will send out a midseason signing who became its ace without facing Samsung once, while the Lions will trust an experienced starter trying to rebound from a difficult playoff outing.

Daniel gives KT a rested and unfamiliar ace

Daniel joined KT on July 30 as a replacement for Matt Sauer and quickly moved to the front of the rotation. The 29-year-old right-hander finished the regular season 5-2 with a 2.13 ERA and 69 strikeouts over 55 innings in 10 starts.

He was especially strong after the calendar turned to September, going 5-1 with a 1.85 ERA across seven starts. Daniel also posted a 1.16 ERA in five games at Suwon, the site of the opening two games of the best-of-seven series.

KT manager Lee Kang-chul said he considered using Daniel against Samsung late in the regular season but decided it was better not to give the Lions an advance look. Daniel has not faced Samsung since arriving in the KBO, adding another layer of uncertainty for a lineup that had only one day off after the playoff round.

The long break cuts both ways. Daniel last pitched on October 6, leaving him close to a month between competitive starts. KT played three preparation games while waiting for the playoffs to finish, but Game 1 will be Daniel’s first postseason appearance in Korea.

Samsung asks Choi Won-tae to reset after playoff trouble

Choi finished the regular season 7-5 with a 4.68 ERA in 24 games. His results against KT were less encouraging: one loss and a 6.94 ERA over two starts.

His most recent outing also ended early. Choi allowed two runs in 1 2/3 innings against the KIA Tigers in Game 3 of the playoff series, throwing only 38 pitches before Samsung went to its bullpen.

Manager Park Jin-man said Choi received the Game 1 assignment because of the rotation order and his experience. Samsung will keep the same 30-player roster that defeated KIA in five games, while Won Tae-in is expected to be available from the bullpen during the first two games.

KT and Samsung finalize 30-man Korean Series rosters

Both clubs selected 13 pitchers, three catchers, seven infielders and seven outfielders. KT’s rotation group includes Ko Young-pyo, So Hyeong-jun, Logan Allen and Daniel, with Park Young-hyun anchoring the bullpen. Samsung’s staff includes Choi, Won Tae-in, Ariel Jurado and Chris Paddack.

KT enters the series after winning 90 regular-season games and resting for roughly three weeks. Samsung arrives with momentum but little recovery time after eliminating defending champion KIA on Sunday.

Game 1 begins at 6:30 p.m. Korea Standard Time. The opening result has historically carried real weight: the Game 1 winner has gone on to take 31 of the previous 42 Korean Series in which a champion was decided, a 73.8 percent rate.