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 in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Manager Hirokazu Ibata announced the addition of seven pitchers to the roster, thus strengthening the team.
Among the newly called-up players, two Major League pitchers stand out: Yusei Kikuchi, from the Los Angeles Angels, who will make his Classic debut, and Yuki Matsui, a reliever for the San Diego Padres. Both join superstar Shohei Ohtani, who had already confirmed his intention to represent Japan once more.
The group is completed by five pitchers from 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 points of interest is Ohtani’s possible 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 would 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 Most Valuable Player of the 2023 World Baseball Classic, with a batting average of .435 and an OPS of 1.345. He also recorded 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 championship for Japan.
The Japan Samurai roster will continue to be defined in the coming weeks, ahead of the start of the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Shohei Ohtani: The Superstar Redefining Baseball
LOS ANGELES. – Shohei Ohtani continues to make history in modern 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 postseason pitcher, and has starred in historic performances in the World Series, solidifying his impact on the game.
One of the most notable aspects of his evolution is his ability to master all types of pitches. After showing vulnerability to breaking pitches and changes in his early campaigns, 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 run value against breaking balls and changeups, and remains among the best against fastballs. This comprehensive dominance has put opposing pitchers in a very difficult position.
Another significant improvement is 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, reducing his strikeout rate and increasing his offensive production.
Also, the increase in the elevation of his hits has enhanced his power. Since 2021, he elevates nearly 60% of the balls he connects with, which has translated into more than 230 home runs, second only to 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.
