Shohei Ohtani played an extra month of baseball in both 2024 and 2025 as his Los Angeles Dodgers made back-to-back championship runs, but he is all in for some more action in March.
Ohtani committed to playing in the World Baseball Classic less than two weeks after earning his fourth MVP award, making the announcement Monday night that he will represent Japan in its attempt to win back-to-back titles in the event.
The 2023 World Baseball Classic ended with Ohtani on the mound facing then-teammate Mike Trout. With Ohtani fully recovered from elbow surgery and pitching again, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him make an impact at the plate and on the mound for Japan come the spring — though the Dodgers may be involved in that decision.
Here’s what you need to know about Ohtani’s decision to play in the World Baseball Classic.
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Shohei Ohtani makes Japan World Baseball Classic announcement
Ohtani confirmed he will participate in the 2026 World Baseball Classic in an Instagram post on Monday night, writing, “Happy to play and represent Japan again.”
While Japan’s toughest challenge in its path back to a World Baseball Classic title isn’t guaranteed to be the United States, Ohtani’s announcement comes as Team USA starts to load up on talent for the tournament.
The U.S. has already announced Aaron Judge, Cal Raleigh, Bobby Witt, Paul Skenes, Corbin Carroll and Pete Crow-Armstrong as members of its roster. By committing to Team Japan, Ohtani ensures both reigning MVPs will be playing in the World Baseball Classic in the spring, along with at least one reigning Cy Young Award winner.
Japan is likely to have a loaded roster as well, with Ohtani’s Dodgers teammates Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki potentially in play after a grueling run to a World Series win in the fall.
MORE: Early look at USA’s World Baseball Classic roster
Shohei Ohtani World Baseball Classic history
Ohtani was included on Japan’s initial roster for the 2017 World Baseball Classic at age 22 but withdrew due to an ankle injury. Had he played, MLB fans would have gotten an early glimpse at the Nippon-Ham Fighters star about nine months before he signed with the Los Angeles Angels.
There was a six-year gap until the next tournament, partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so Ohtani’s showing at the 2023 World Baseball Classic stands as his only appearance in the tournament.
Ohtani hit .435 with one home run, 10 walks and a 1.345 OPS over seven games in the 2023 tournament, posting a 1.86 ERA with 11 strikeouts over 9.2 innings as Japan made a run to the championship.
