Japan Samurai Strengthens its Roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic
TOKYO. – Japan’s baseball team, known as Samurai Japan, is preparing to defend its title at the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Manager Hirokazu Ibata announced the addition of seven pitchers to the team, thus strengthening their roster.
Among the newly called up players are two Major League pitchers: Yusei Kikuchi, of the Los Angeles Angels, and Yuki Matsui, reliever for the San Diego Padres. Both will join superstar Shohei Ohtani, who had already expressed his desire to represent Japan again.
The group is completed by five pitchers who play in the Japanese professional league: Hiromi Ito (Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters), Kaima Taira (Seibu Lions), Atsuki Taneichi (Chiba Lotte Marines), Taisei Ota (Yomiuri Giants), and Daichi Ishii (Hanshin Tigers).
One of the main unknowns is Ohtani’s role on the mound. Although it has not yet been defined if he will pitch in the tournament, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts suggested that the plan could be to use him only as a hitter.
I hope he doesn’t pitch, but I don’t know. He’s very in tune with his body, although the idea is probably that he only bats.
Dave Roberts
Ohtani was the 2023 World Baseball Classic MVP, with a batting average of .435 and an OPS of 1.345, in addition to recording a 2-0 record and an ERA of 1.86 as a pitcher. His performance culminated with the strikeout of Mike Trout in the final against the United States, securing the Japanese championship.
The Japan Samurai roster will continue to be defined in the coming weeks, preparing for the start of the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Shohei Ohtani: An Analysis of His Greatness in Modern Baseball
LOS ANGELES. – Shohei Ohtani continues to redefine the limits of what it means to be a superstar in baseball. Winner of three consecutive Most Valuable Player awards, the two most recent with the Dodgers, the Japanese player has been fundamental in the conquest of two consecutive World Series for Los Angeles.
Since his arrival at the Dodgers, Ohtani has created the exclusive 50-50 club (50 home runs and 50 stolen bases), has shone as a pitcher in the postseason, and has starred in memorable performances in the World Series, demonstrating his integral impact on the game.
One of the highlights of his evolution has been his ability to master all types of pitches. After showing vulnerability to breaking pitches and changes in his early seasons, Ohtani has become a complete hitter, mastering fastballs, breaking balls, and low-velocity pitches.
Since 2024, he leads Major League Baseball in home runs and career value against breaking pitches and changeups, in addition to remaining among the best against fastballs. This comprehensive dominance has put opposing pitchers in a practically impossible situation.
Another significant advance has been his performance against left-handed pitchers. After starting his career with difficulties in that aspect, Ohtani has notably improved his contact, power, and plate discipline, decreasing his strikeout rate and increasing his offensive production in a sustained manner.
Also, the increase in the elevation of his hits has enhanced his power. Since 2021, he elevates about 60% of the balls he connects with, which has translated into more than 230 home runs, surpassed only by Aaron Judge in that period.
At 31 years old, Shohei Ohtani shows no signs of slowing down. With constant adjustments, technical evolution, and an unprecedented impact as a hitter and pitcher, his trajectory points to continuing to mark an era in world baseball.
