He was named to the 2023 WBC All-World Team and delivered one of the tournament’s most memorable moments with a clutch, game-tying three-run home run in the seventh inning of the semifinals against Mexico.
This time, Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami was projected to hit cleanup for Japan, but Ibata instead opted to place Yoshida in that spot — the same position he held in the knockout rounds of the 2023 WBC.
So far, “Macho Man” has come through in a massive way, slashing .500/.571/1.083 in four games with two homers, including a go-ahead two-run blast in the seventh inning against Australia. He’ll continue to be one of the focal points of Japan’s deep lineup.
Seiya Suzuki Isn’t Comfortable in Center Field, but That’s (Probably) Okay
This was Seiya Suzuki’s first real chance in CF and he did not look good.
Not sure if a guy like Shuto or Nootbaar 100% makes the catch there, but they would hold it to a single at least. https://t.co/fSoL1WNuse
— Yakyu Cosmopolitan (@yakyucosmo) March 7, 2026
Going into camp, Japan was noticeably thin in center, with Ukyo Shuto as the only true center fielder after Lars Nootbaar was unable to participate in the WBC due to a heel injury. Rising star Shota Morishita had prior experience there and seemed like a natural candidate to take over, given his youth and athleticism.
However, when Suzuki began getting reps at center field with the Chicago Cubs during spring training, it became clear he would be the one to handle the position, despite having only one professional start there.
In his limited opportunities defensively, Suzuki has unsurprisingly not looked particularly rangy or comfortable. But it hasn’t really mattered, as he’s more than made up for it at the plate, slashing .333/.571/1.000 with two home runs so far in the tournament.
It could become more of an issue in the knockout stages, but late in games, Ibata calls on Shuto to take over in center while Suzuki shifts to right, meaning the 31-year-old slugger just needs to not get exposed and be somewhat competent until the late innings.
Sosuke Genda Is the Shortstop…Still
For years, Japanese fans speculated about who would succeed Sosuke Genda at shortstop in the WBC. Genda was Japan’s starter in 2023, replacing future Hall of Famer Hayato Sakamoto, who elected not to participate. Genda delivered many memorable moments and even played through a broken pinky finger.