Ohtani announced via social media that he will play for Japan national baseball team in next year’s World Baseball Classic, set to begin in early March 2026. The decision comes after Japan’s championship win in the 2023 edition of the tournament — a run in which Ohtani was named MVP for his dual contributions as a hitter and a pitcher.
The announcement is significant given Ohtani’s recent MLB season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, which saw him return to pitching for the first time in two years following elbow surgery. While he confirmed participation, he did not specify whether he will play as both a pitcher and hitter for Japan, leaving some uncertainty around his role.
As Japan aims to defend its WBC title, Ohtani’s participation adds star power and raises expectations. His previous performance in the 2023 tournament — including a final-inning strikeout of Mike Trout to seal the title — already cemented his international legacy.
