Summary
Shohei Ohtani will play for Japan in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, but he will not pitch. He agreed with the Los Angeles Dodgers, his team, not to use his arm in the tournament, focusing instead on playing as a designated hitter.
Key Facts
- Shohei Ohtani will participate in the 2026 World Baseball Classic as part of Japan's team.
- Ohtani will not pitch during the tournament, per an agreement with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
- Ohtani is expected to be Japan's designated hitter in the opening game against Chinese Taipei.
- In the 2023 World Baseball Classic, Ohtani was named MVP, with impressive batting and pitching statistics.
- Mike Trout, another well-known player, will not be part of the 2026 USA team due to insurance issues.
- The Dodgers cannot prevent Ohtani from playing for Japan, but they did prevent another player, Roki Sasaki, due to a prior injury.
