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, solidifying their roster for the tournament.
Among the newly called-up players are two Major League pitchers: Yusei Kikuchi, of the Los Angeles Angels, who will make his Classic debut, and Yuki Matsui, reliever for the San Diego Padres. Both join star Shohei Ohtani, who had already confirmed his intention to represent Japan again.
The pitching staff is completed with five players 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 unknowns is Ohtani’s role on the mound. Although it has not yet been defined whether he will pitch in the tournament, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts suggested that he could be used 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 Japanese championship.
The Japan Samurai team will continue to define its roster in the coming weeks, preparing for the start of the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Shohei Ohtani: The Superstar Redefining Baseball
LOS ANGELES. – Shohei Ohtani continues to impress the baseball world. 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). In addition, he has shined as a postseason pitcher and starred in historic performances in the World Series, demonstrating his integral impact on the game.
One of the keys to his evolution has been his ability to master all types of pitches. After showing vulnerability to breaking pitches and changes, Ohtani has become a complete hitter, mastering fastballs, breaking balls, and low-velocity pitches.
Since 2024, he leads the Major Leagues in home runs and career value against breaking pitches and changeups, and remains among the best against fastballs. This dominance has put opposing pitchers in a very complicated situation.
Another significant advance has been his performance against left-handed pitchers. After starting his career with difficulties, Ohtani has notably improved his contact, power, and plate discipline, reducing his strikeout rate and increasing his offensive production.
The increase in the elevation of his hits has boosted his power. Since 2021, he elevates nearly 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.
