Baseball fans, this is truly exciting news! Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani’s official declaration to play in the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) has sent shockwaves through the global baseball community. More than just one player’s participation, this decision is poised to have a major impact not only on Japan’s “Samurai Japan” bid for a second consecutive title but also on Ohtani’s personal career and the strategy of his team, the LA Dodgers.
The WBC takes place in March, just before the start of the Major League Baseball (MLB) season. This essentially means players are starting their season a month early, which presents a significant physical burden. Ohtani, in particular, has just completed his first two-way season in 663 days after recovering from elbow surgery. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts had publicly expressed concern, hoping Ohtani would rest. However, Ohtani made the bold decision to participate, aiming to satisfy both the fans’ expectations and his sense of duty to Japanese baseball.
Risk vs. Value: Dodgers Manager Worries About Ohtani’s March Pitching
The biggest risk associated with Ohtani’s participation is, inevitably, health. Participating in a high-intensity international tournament like the WBC immediately after completing a full two-way season in 2024, without sufficient rest, is understandably a significant concern for the Dodgers organization.
The Dodgers offered him a contract exceeding $1 billion for his long-term contributions. With the ultimate goal of a World Series title, managing Ohtani’s condition during Spring Training is the Dodgers’ top priority. Should even a minor injury occur during the WBC, the loss would be financially incalculable. Manager Roberts’ remark, “I wish he wouldn’t participate,” can be understood as a respectful expression of the team’s apprehension while honoring the player’s wishes.
Nevertheless, Ohtani’s determination to play in the WBC stems from the immense value it offers.
The Symbolism of the ‘Baseball World Cup’ and the Ohtani Effect
The WBC is more than just a baseball tournament; it is the Baseball World Cup, where national pride is on the line. In the 2023 tournament, the scene of Ohtani striking out Mike Trout to secure the championship provided an unforgettable thrill to baseball fans worldwide. The positive impact of such iconic moments on Ohtani’s marketability, leadership, and the global popularity of the sport itself is enormous. Ohtani seeks to use this tournament to prove once again that he is not merely a team superstar but the face of baseball for this generation. This is also a strategic decision that will solidify his career value and influence in the long run.
Japan’s ‘Samurai Japan’ Repeat Scenario: The Completion of an All-Time Roster
Ohtani’s commitment gives a decisive green light to Japan’s 2026 WBC title defense. While defending champions face immense pressure, Japan is once again poised to assemble a flawless “Dream Team.”
Apart from Ohtani, the likelihood of top players representing both MLB and Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB)—such as Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Roki Sasaki, and Seiya Suzuki—joining the squad is very high. In particular, the reunion of Yamamoto and Ohtani, both key players in the 2023 tournament, will maximize the stability of the pitching staff.
Mound Depth: The Ohtani-Yamamoto-Sasaki Triad
Japan’s strength is undoubtedly their pitching.
Shohei Ohtani: Psychologically pressures opponents with his two-way ability, and his dominance as a closer is unmatched.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto: Will serve as a rotation anchor with his refined and powerful pitching that has proven successful in MLB.
Roki Sasaki: The NPB’s premier power pitcher, he has the potential to dominate games based on his international experience.
Backed by a lineup led by Seiya Suzuki, which ensures stable scoring, no team will find it easy to defeat Japan in the short-tournament format of the WBC. Japan will likely be considered the overwhelming favorite to win the 2026 WBC.
Global Big Matchups: Analyzing the US, South Korea, and Puerto Rico
Ohtani’s participation ensures that the 2026 WBC will be an all-time clash of the stars. The WBC’s success hinges on the involvement of MLB superstars, and key rival nations, including the United States, South Korea, and Puerto Rico, have already announced their plans to field their strongest possible rosters.
USA: The ‘New Big 3’ of Aaron Judge and Paul Skenes
The biggest challenger to defending champion Japan is the “Home of Baseball,” the United States. The US has confirmed the commitment of positional elite players, including New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge, who, along with Ohtani, has dominated the MVP awards in both leagues. The lineup also includes 2025 Cy Young winner Paul Skenes and the first MLB catcher to hit 60 home runs, Cal Raleigh. Unlike in the past, when their pitching staff was considered a relative weakness, the addition of a young ace like Skenes has bolstered their mound, making their overall roster much stronger. The matchup between Ohtani and Judge, the two best hitters in the big leagues, will be the most anticipated moment of the WBC.
South Korea: Surpassing the Quarterfinals with Big Leaguer Power
South Korea also boasts a formidable roster. Current big leaguers like Ha-Seong Kim of the San Diego Padres and Jung-Hoo Lee of the San Francisco Giants will lead the team. South Korea is in Pool C with Japan, Australia, Taiwan, and the Czech Republic, vying for a spot in the quarterfinals. The preliminary round clash against Ohtani’s Japan will be the hottest topic for Korean baseball fans. The South Korean team will leverage strong defense, baserunning, and the passion of young players to erase the disappointment of the 2023 tournament and aim for a performance beyond the quarterfinals.
Puerto Rico: Star Shortstop Francisco Lindor
The participation of MLB star shortstop Francisco Lindor for Puerto Rico is also noteworthy. Puerto Rico has been a strong contender in the WBC, reaching the finals twice. Lindor’s reliable infield defense and clutch hitting ability present a variable that could overturn the tournament at any time.
Why Ohtani Couldn’t Forsake the March Festival
In conclusion, Shohei Ohtani’s commitment to the 2026 WBC is a complex decision interwoven with personal ambition, team concerns, and national responsibility.
While Ohtani is already the highest-paid player in history, his ultimate goal transcends mere statistics—it is to write the history of baseball. A WBC title is a mandatory page in that history. For Ohtani, who has fully recovered from elbow surgery and is in peak condition, the WBC is the perfect stage to re-affirm his dominance to the world.
While manager Roberts’ concerns about potential disruptions to season preparation are valid, Ohtani likely believes that success at the WBC will instead provide a positive energy and momentum boost for the upcoming season. With Ohtani’s participation, the 2026 WBC is set to deliver an unforgettable “Clash of the Stars” for baseball fans. All that remains is for us to eagerly anticipate the new legends this festival will create between now and March 2026. Please join us in watching this exciting journey unfold.