Follow usLA Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani will be part of Team Japan in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, he revealed today.
His nation will try to repeat after triumphing in the 2023 Classic. Shohei was the MVP of the competition back then and memorably struck out ex-teammate Mike Trout for the final out of the deciding match vs. the USA.
The Japanese superstar, who returned to the mound in the last campaign after not pitching for nearly 2 years after a 2nd repair of his ulnar collateral ligament. It is unclear yet if he will be pitching for Team Japan at the tournament.
The WBC starts March 5th, with his nation in Group C alongside Australia, South Korea, Czechia, and Chinese Taipei. The other great favorite – the USA – will be in Group B.
For the United States team, already stars like Aaron Judge, Cal Raleigh, and Paul Skenes confirmed that they would be playing at the Classic.
Shohei Ohtani just posted a “Thank You, Fans” graphic and seemingly confirmed he plans to play for Samurai Japan in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
“Honored to play and represent Japan again.” pic.twitter.com/BKwZ4o6DCV
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) November 25, 2025
Ohtani is coming off a 2nd consecutive World Series title with the Dodgers and won his 4th MVP award at the beginning of November.
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