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Shohei Ohtani Commits to Reigning World Baseball Classic Champion Japan
- On Monday, Shohei Ohtani announced on Instagram he will play for Team Samurai in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, which starts March 5 with Japan in Pool C.
- As background, Ohtani's 2023 WBC performance showed he hit.435 with a home run, eight RBIs and a 1.345 OPS in seven games, earning MVP honors.
- Given his recent medical and workload history, Shohei Ohtani's post did not specify whether he will pitch, and the Los Angeles Dodgers could seek limits after his second UCL repair and heavy postseason workload.
- Japan's title defense will be affected because Team Samurai seeks a fourth WBC title with Shohei Ohtani as the face of the team, while Dodgers' 2026 pitching plans could be complicated by Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki's participation.
- Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes said earlier this month talks with the three Japanese players about WBC participation hadn't occurred, and manager Dave Roberts told media `We'll support them`.
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Shohei Ohtani has confirmed his plans to play for Japan in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, following a historic season with the Dodgers and his return to the mound. The star has not yet revealed whether he will also pitch in the tournament.
Shohei Ohtani will look for the bi-championship of the World Baseball Classic with Japan. Through an Instagram post, Shohei thanked Los Angeles Dodgers fans for the support he received this 2025 and by the way, confirmed that he will be in the Japanese team to defend the crown of the World Classic. "Happy to play and represent Japan again," wrote Ohtani on the social network. Shohei was the pitcher who pulled out the last three outs of Japan's t…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources62
Leaning Left14Leaning Right4Center20Last UpdatedBias Distribution53% Center
Bias Distribution
- 53% of the sources are Center
53% Center
L 37%
C 53%
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