Japan officially added 11 players to their 2026 World Baseball Classic roster on Friday, joining Shohei Ohtani as they prepare to defend their title in March. The defending champions have crafted a lineup blending accomplished Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) stars and experienced Major League Baseball (MLB) athletes, setting the stage for a strong tournament run.
Among the newest members is veteran pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano, who recently completed the 2025 MLB season with the Baltimore Orioles. At 36 years old, Sugano recorded a 10-10 record and a 4.64 ERA in his MLB debut and remains a free agent. He previously showcased his talent in the 2017 WBC, tying for the tournament lead with 16 strikeouts alongside Mets pitcher Kodai Senga.
Combining Veteran Leadership with Emerging Talent
The roster highlights Japan’s strategy of pairing experienced campaigners with promising newcomers. Returning from the triumphant 2023 championship squad are five key players, including Shugo Maki, known for his energetic presence and leadership within the clubhouse. Defensive stalwart Sosuke Genda, who famously competed in the previous WBC despite a broken finger, is also back to anchor Japan’s infield.
Outfielder Kensuke Kondoh, who excelled in the 2023 tournament with a slash line of .346/.500/.615, contributes speed and savvy that typifies Japan’s aggressive yet fundamentally sound style of play. Manager Hirokazu Ibata has introduced fresh faces eager to make their mark: catchers Kenya Wakatsuki and Seishiro Sakamoto will share duties behind the plate, while reliever Yuki Matsumoto arrives with an impressive 1.07 ERA from the 2025 season.
Power hitters Shota Morishita and Teruaki Sato represent the next generation of offensive firepower. Morishita launched 23 home runs with an .813 OPS last season, while Sato blasted 40 homers and drove in 102 runs, signaling their readiness to bolster Japan’s lineup.
Building Momentum for a Highly Anticipated 2026 Tournament
This roster disclosure follows the announcement of Team USA’s lineup featuring stars such as Aaron Judge, Paul Skenes, and recently retired Clayton Kershaw, intensifying anticipation for memorable matchups between marquee players on the world’s biggest stage. As defending champions with a perfect 7-0 record in 2023, Japan outscored opponents 56-18, culminating in a dramatic victory over Team USA highlighted by Ohtani striking out then-teammate Mike Trout for the championship clincher.
The 2026 World Baseball Classic will commence on March 5 across multiple venues, with Japan aiming to become the first team to win consecutive titles since the tournament’s start in 2006. Led by Shohei Ohtani, the carefully balanced roster of veterans and rising stars positions Japan as clear favorites to retain their crown. The event promises to replicate the electrifying atmosphere of 2023, with Japan’s talented squad poised to remain the team to beat.
“Sugano previously appeared in the 2017 WBC, where he tied for the tournament lead with 16 strikeouts alongside current Mets pitcher Kodai Senga.” ?Team Japan Announcement
“Japan enters the tournament as defending champions after their perfect 7-0 run in 2023, outscoring opponents 56-18.” ?Sports Analyst
“The tournament promises to deliver the same electric atmosphere that made the 2023 edition a global phenomenon, with Japan’s loaded roster ensuring they’ll remain the team to beat come March.” ?Hirokazu Ibata, Team Japan Manager
