LOS ANGELES – Four-time MVP Shohei Ohtani said Thursday he is still waiting to learn whether he will be made available to play for defending champion Japan at next year’s World Baseball Classic.
During a telephone press conference after being named this year’s National League MVP, the Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star indicated that talks were taking place between his club and Samurai Japan officials.
“Since I can’t be directly involved in the discussion, I’m currently waiting for word,” Ohtani said. “I think a decision will be made soon.”
Ohtani was an integral part of Japan’s 2023 WBC triumph and has voiced his desire to play in the next edition, saying “I would be honored if I’m selected.”
The 31-year-old, who received his fourth unanimous MVP Award on Thursday after returning to the mound in mid-June, expressed enthusiasm about starting next season as a two-way player.
“As a starting pitcher, my goal is to be able to stay injury-free and be in the rotation for the entire year,” he said.
The 2026 WBC is scheduled for March 5-17, before the start of the Major League Baseball and Nippon Professional Baseball seasons.
Ohtani’s Los Angeles teammates, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki, were both members of the 2023 WBC championship-winning team and would also be considered automatic selections for Samurai Japan if available.
Some MLB clubs have been reluctant to allow players to take part in previous editions of the WBC because of the risk of injury.