Shohei Ohtani Declares His Intention to Play For Japan in 2026 World Baseball Classic

Nothing appears to be slowing down Shohei Ohtani, not with consecutive World Series titles underneath his belt, and undoubtedly not with the 2026 World Baseball Classic within the image.

The Los Angeles Dodgers celebrity has formally confirmed his return to Team Japan. For the second time, he needs to provide pleasure to the nation the place he honed his baseball expertise.

Ohtani Confirms Return to Team Japan for 2026 WBC

Fresh off profitable his second straight World Series title, Ohtani introduced on social media that he’ll signify Japan once more on this yr’s World Baseball Classic. His first look in 2023 resulted in legendary vogue: Japan received its third WBC title, and Ohtani walked away with the event MVP award.

“Thank you to all the fans for another great season. I’ll train hard and look forward to seeing you all next year,” he wrote in an Instagram submit to Dodgers followers.

As early as now, this announcement immediately locations Japan as early favorites to defend their crown.

Look Back at Ohtani’s Dominant 2023 WBC Performance

The 2023 run of Ohtani was nothing in need of historic, with him placing up jaw-dropping numbers on either side of the ball and creating one of the vital iconic baseball moments of the last decade.

As a hitter for seven video games, he recorded these stats, per USA Today.

• .435 batting common
• 10 hits
• 1 dwelling run
• 8 RBIs

As a pitcher in three appearances:

But the defining second of the event was when Ohtani struck out his then-Angels teammate and Team USA celebrity Mike Trout to clinch the gold medal. It was a cinematic ending, particularly for all of the followers who witnessed the legendary play that day.

Japan Set for Another Title Run in 2026 Pool Play

Team Japan enters the 2026 Classic with momentum, confidence, and now their greatest weapon: Shohei Ohtani. Led by Japan, Pool C opens the event on March 6, 2026, on the iconic Tokyo Dome. Joining them in group play are Chinese Taipei, Korea, Australia, and Czechia.