Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani was among eight players named Friday in Samurai Japan’s first roster announcement for the World Baseball Classic in March.
Ohtani led Japan to its last WBC title in 2023 and was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player for his outstanding performances as a pitcher and batter.
Three Japanese baseball players nominated from the MLB
Samurai Japan manager Hirokazu Ibata announced that two additional current major league players – Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi and San Diego Padres relief pitcher Yuki Matsui – have been confirmed for the 2026 WBC roster.
The five other players were all pitchers from Nippon Professional Baseball Clubs, led by Nippon Ham Fighters right-hander Hiromi Ito, who won the 2025 Eiji Sawamura Award for Japan’s best starting pitcher.
Joining Ito will also be Taisei Ota of the Yomiuri Giants, Atsuki Taneichi of the Lotte Marines, Kaima Taira of the Seibu Lions and Daichi Ishii of the Hanshin Tigers.
The remaining members of the list are expected to be announced in January.
“We expect a tough fight, but we will continue to prepare our team with the goal of winning two titles in a row,” Ibata said.
The players’ jersey numbers were also announced, with Ohtani once again wearing number 16 for Japan.
It will be the 34-year-old Kikuchi’s first time representing Japan as he has not been able to play for the national team due to injuries and his move to Major League Baseball.
“I think my only goal is for the team to be No. 1 in the world,” said the experienced left-hander. “I will do my best to fulfill the role expected of me and throw with all my might to help Japan win.”
Japan begins their WBC campaign against Taiwan on March 6 at the Tokyo Dome. The quarterfinals and subsequent rounds will take place in the United States, with the final on March 17 at LoanDepot Park in Miami.
