Shohei Ohtani and Japan will look to defend their World Baseball Classic crown in 2026, three years after defeating Team USA in an instant classic of a final, the country’s third win in five editions of the international tournament.
Ohtani struck out then-Angels teammate Mike Trout to clinch that victory, and the now-Dodgers star has earned three more MVP awards and two World Series titles since the famous night in Miami. However, Ohtani won’t pitch in the WBC and will just be used as a hitter.
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Japan’s squad also features MLB All-Stars including Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Dodgers) and Seiya Suzuki (Cubs) and two top players who are joining MLB this season in sluggers Munetaka Murakami (White Sox) and Kazuma Okamoto (Blue Jays).
Japan begins pool play in Tokyo on March 6.
Here’s a look at Japan’s squad for the 2026 WBC:
Japan World Baseball Classic rosterPitchersCatchersInfieldersOutfieldersDesignated hittersManagers and coaches
Makat Kanero (bench coach)
Atsushi Nohmi (pitching coach)
Kazuki Yoshimi (pitching coach)
Yoshiyuki Kamei (first base coach)
Eishin Soyogi (third base coach)
Yoshinori Murata (bullpen coach)
Is Shohei Ohtani pitching in the WBC?
Shohei Ohtani confirmed that he will not pitch in the 2026 World Baseball Classic and will only be used as a hitter. Ohtani returned to the mound for the Dodgers in 2025 after missing all of 2024 as he recovered from an elbow injury – while hitting full time.
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Japan World Baseball Classic schedulePool play – Tokyo Dome
March 6 vs. Chinese Taipei
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Knockout round
Quarterfinals: March 13/14 in Miami
Semifinals: March 15/16 in Miami
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Japan World Baseball Classic roster 2026: Is Shohei Ohtani playing?