Defending champions Japan have officially begun their preparations for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, announcing the first group of players selected for their title defense. The headline name is Shohei Ohtani, the reigning WBC MVP and four-time MLB MVP, who leads a group of eight pitchers unveiled on Friday, 26 December.
The early announcement signals Japan’s intent to carefully manage pitching preparation ahead of the March tournament, as they look to replicate their unforgettable triumph in the previous edition.
Shohei Ohtani Headlines Japan World Baseball Classic Roster
Ohtani, currently with the Los Angeles Dodgers, is the most prominent name in the initial selection. His inclusion immediately boosts expectations around Japan’s campaign, even though his exact role, pitcher, hitter, or both, remains undecided.
Japan manager Hirokazu Ibata confirmed that Ohtani has not yet resumed throwing and that any decision regarding a two-way role will be made during training camp.
“He hasn’t started throwing yet, so I think that will be a decision during camp,” Ibata explained.
MLB and NPB Pitchers Selected
Japan’s first batch blends Major League Baseball experience with top talent from Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), underlining the depth of the defending champions’ pitching pool.
MLB Pitchers Named
- Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Dodgers)
- Yusei Kikuchi (Los Angeles Angels) – first-time WBC selection
- Yuki Matsui (San Diego Padres)
NPB Pitchers Named
- Hiromi Ito (Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters)
- Kaima Taira (Saitama Seibu Lions)
- Taisei Ota (Yomiuri Giants)
- Daichi Ishii (Hanshin Tigers)
- Atsuki Taneichi (Chiba Lotte Marines)
Why Japan Announced Pitchers Early
According to Ibata, the early pitcher announcement is strategic. One of the key challenges is helping NPB pitchers adapt to the MLB baseball used in the World Baseball Classic.
“With the ball being different, I wanted to start as early as I could,” Ibata said.
By giving pitchers a head start, Japan aims to ensure a smooth transition and optimal performance when the tournament begins.
Full Squad Timeline and Notable Names Still to Come
Japan expects to finalize its complete WBC roster by mid-January, ahead of a February training camp. Several star players, such as Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Munetaka Murakami, have already expressed their desire to play, although their participation is being coordinated individually rather than through official team announcements.
Ibata noted that discussions with MLB are still ongoing regarding player availability, which will influence the final selections from NPB.
Japan’s WBC Title Defense Takes Shape
With Shohei Ohtani leading an elite group of pitchers, Japan’s early roster announcement sends a clear message: the defending champions are already focused on preparation, depth, and adaptability. As anticipation builds toward March, all eyes will be on how Ohtani is deployed, and whether Japan can once again dominate the global stage at the World Baseball Classic.
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[…] Okamoto arrives in Major League Baseball with a reputation as one of Japan’s most feared hitters. Known for his combination of plate discipline, bat speed, and home-run power, he has been a cornerstone player in Nippon Professional Baseball and a regular presence on the Japanese national team. […]