Shohei Ohtani has confirmed his intention to represent Team Japan in the upcoming World Baseball Classic next March, marking the second time in his career that he will participate in this prestigious international tournament. However, it remains uncertain whether he will take the mound during the event.
Ohtani made the announcement on Instagram, expressing his enthusiasm to play for Japan again. In the previous World Baseball Classic in 2023, he earned the tournament MVP title, boasting an impressive .435 batting average and a 1.86 ERA as a pitcher. His standout performance culminated in a memorable strikeout of Mike Trout to secure Japan’s championship win over the United States.
As Ohtani gears up for the WBC, a major consideration is his recent workload; he had a demanding postseason with the Los Angeles Dodgers, culminating in their second consecutive World Series championship. After undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2023, Ohtani returned to full form in the latter half of the 2025 season, making 14 pitching starts while gradually increasing his innings pitched. He eventually threw 20⅓ innings across four playoff games, including a crucial appearance in Game 7 of the World Series.
Typically, players who experience extensive pitching demands during the playoffs often skip the World Baseball Classic due to the early preparation required, as the tournament overlaps with spring training. Nonetheless, the WBC holds immense significance in the Japanese baseball community, often seen as more important than the World Series itself. As the face of Japan’s Samurai Japan national team, Ohtani will aim to help his country clinch its fourth WBC title.
While Ohtani is expected to participate as a hitter—coming off a stellar season where he hit a career-high 55 home runs—there is still no confirmation on whether he will pitch. Discussions between Ohtani and the Dodgers regarding his participation have yet to yield a decision. Although the Dodgers cannot prohibit him from playing, they could request specific guidelines on his pitching, especially after his recovery period.
The outlook for Ohtani’s Japanese teammates, pitchers Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki, is similar. Yamamoto had a taxing season, making 30 starts and logging significant playoff innings, while Sasaki, who is slated to return to the starting rotation after injury, had a crucial but limited role in the playoffs.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the physical toll of pitching, suggesting that while resting players might be beneficial for the upcoming season, he understands how important the WBC is for individual athletes and their country.
As the offseason continues, Ohtani’s participation is confirmed, but whether he or his fellow Japanese Dodgers teammates will take the mound remains an unfolding story. The anticipation builds as fans look forward to seeing how this will impact both the WBC and the Dodgers’ plans for the upcoming season.