Ohtani Leads 8 Named for Japan's WBC Team

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Shohei Ohtani and Other Stars Named in Samurai Japan's Initial WBC Roster

TOKYO – Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers superstar, has been included in the initial roster of Samurai Japan for the upcoming World Baseball Classic (WBC) in March. Alongside Ohtani, eight other players were announced by the Japanese team, marking the beginning of their preparations for the prestigious tournament.

Ohtani played a pivotal role in leading Japan to victory in the 2023 WBC, where he was recognized as the most valuable player (MVP) of the tournament. His exceptional performance as both a pitcher and a batter showcased his unique two-way talent, making him a key figure in the national team's success.

Samurai Japan manager Hirokazu Ibata also confirmed the inclusion of two more Major League Baseball (MLB) players: Yusei Kikuchi of the Los Angeles Angels and Yuki Matsui of the San Diego Padres. Both players are expected to contribute significantly to the team's strategy in the 2026 WBC.

In addition to these MLB stars, five pitchers from Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) clubs were named on Friday. The group is led by Hiromi Ito, a right-handed pitcher for the Nippon Ham Fighters. Ito recently won the 2025 Eiji Sawamura Award, which is given to Japan’s top starting pitcher.

Other pitchers named include Taisei Ota of the Yomiuri Giants, Atsuki Taneichi of the Lotte Marines, Kaima Taira of the Seibu Lions, and Daichi Ishii of the Hanshin Tigers. These players bring a wealth of experience and skill to the team, strengthening Japan’s chances in the competition.

The remaining members of the roster are expected to be announced in January, giving the team time to finalize their strategy and prepare for the challenges ahead.

“We expect a fierce battle, but we will continue to prepare our team with the aim of winning back-to-back championships,” said Ibata, expressing confidence in the team’s ability to defend their title.

In addition to the player names, the jersey numbers for the selected athletes were also revealed. Ohtani will once again wear number 16 for Japan, a number that has become synonymous with his contributions to the national team.

Japan's WBC campaign will begin with a match against Taiwan at Tokyo Dome on March 6. The quarterfinals and subsequent rounds will take place in the United States, with the final scheduled to be held at Miami’s loanDepot Park on March 17.

This announcement marks an important step in the buildup to the 2026 WBC, as Japan aims to maintain its dominance in international baseball. With a mix of experienced veterans and emerging talents, the team is well-positioned to compete at the highest level.