Shohei Ohtani confirms his participation in the 2026 World Baseball Classic
Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani announced via his social media that he will play for the Japan team in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Japan will seek to revalidate its title after obtaining the gold medal in the 2023 Classic. Ohtani was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament and is remembered for striking out his former Angels teammate, Mike Trout, in the last out of the decisive game against the United States team.
Title of the publication: “I am pleased to announce that I will participate in the 2026 World Baseball Classic! I am looking forward to playing for Japan!”
Ohtani returned to the mound last season after almost two years without pitching, due to a second repair of his ulnar collateral ligament. In his Monday post, he did not specify whether he will pitch for Japan.
The WBC will begin on March 5th. Japan is in Group C, along with Australia, South Korea, Czech Republic, and Chinese Taipei. The United States team will be in Group B.
Ohtani arrives after winning his second consecutive World Series title with the Dodgers and receiving his fourth MVP award earlier this month.
