The Los Angeles Dodgers have their first confirmed participant for the 2026 World Baseball Classic as Shohei Ohtani announced plans to play for Team Japan as they look to become repeat champions in the international competition.
Ohtani shared news of his commitment through a post on Instagram. “Happy to play and represent Japan again,” he wrote in Japanese.
Ohtani memorably led the Japanese baseball team to a gold medal in the 2023 WBC. He closed out the championship game by entering as a relief pitcher and ending the game by striking out then-Los Angeles Angels teammate Mike Trout.
Ohtani was named 2023 World Baseball Classic MVP after Team Japan completed a 3-2 win over the United States at loanDepot Park.
As a hitter, Ohtani batted .435/.606/.739 with four doubles, one home run, eight RBI and 10 walks across 10 games. He yielded a 1.86 ERA in three games (two starts) as a pitcher for Team Japan in the WBC as well.
Since that point, Ohtani has gone on to win three MVP Awards in a row, bringing his career total to four. Ohtani’s made history along the way by winning each of his MVPs in unanimous fashion.
Now he looks to help Team Japan repeat as World Baseball Classic champions and potentially add another tournament MVP Award to a long list of accolades.
Team Japan is in Pool C of the 2026 WBC and begins play March 6 at Tokyo Dome. They are due to face Australia, Chinese Taipei, Czechia and Korea pool play.
Is Shohei Ohtani pitching in 2026 WBC?
Although Ohtani plans to suit up for his country, what’s not yet clear is if the Dodgers granted permission for him to pitch in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
The team took a methodical approach to building up Ohtani on the mound during the 2025 season and fully stretched him out by the postseason. Ohtani’s final start for the Dodgers in 2025 came on just three days of rest as they faced elimination in Game 7.
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