Team Japan is set to defend their World Baseball Classic title in the 2026 tournament, competing in Pool C alongside Australia, South Korea, Czechia, and Chinese Taipei. The squad, led by Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, will open their campaign against Chinese Taipei at Tokyo Dome on March 6.
Ohtani, who was instrumental in Japan’s championship victory over Team USA in 2023, teams up again with his Dodgers teammate Yamamoto. The roster also includes several other prominent MLB and Nippon Professional Baseball players.
Complete Roster Featuring Star Pitchers, Catchers, and Position Players
The pitching staff features an array of talent with MLB representatives such as Yusei Kikuchi of the Los Angeles Angels, Tomoyuki Sugano from the Colorado Rockies, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto from the Los Angeles Dodgers, alongside key Nippon Pro Baseball arms like Daichi Ishii and Hiromi Itoh.
Team catchers include Seishiro Sakamoto of Hanshin Tigers and Yuhei Nakamura from Tokyo Yakult Swallows. Infielders on the roster boast a mix of experienced MLB players like Kazuma Okamoto (Toronto Blue Jays) and Munetaka Murakami (Chicago White Sox), along with domestic stars such as Sosuke Genda and Teruaki Sato.
The outfield group combines Major League Baseball talent, including Seiya Suzuki (Chicago Cubs), and Nippon Pro Baseball players Kensuke Kondo and Ukyo Shuto. Shohei Ohtani will serve as the designated hitter, although the reigning National League MVP will not pitch in the tournament to protect his arm for the upcoming MLB season.
Exhibition Games Ahead of WBC Start
Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto participated in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ spring training in Arizona but left early to rejoin their Japanese teammates at Vantelin Dome in Nagoya. The team took part in the Samurai Japan Series starting on February 27 and will play exhibition games in Osaka on March 2 as final preparation before the WBC begins.
Ohtani was observed warming up his throwing arm during these preparations, signaling his active presence despite not pitching in official matches.
Significance of Japan’s Title Defense and Tournament Outlook
With the blend of experienced MLB stars and homegrown talent, Team Japan enters the tournament as strong contenders to repeat their championship success. The strategic management of players like Ohtani, keeping him from pitching to ensure health for the MLB season, reveals the balancing act between national pride and professional commitments. How the team performs in Pool C will shape their path toward potentially securing back-to-back World Baseball Classic titles.
#大谷翔平 投手キャッチボールinバンテリンドーム⚾️
元 #DeNA #高城俊人 ブルペン捕手が受けました🔥🔥@samuraijapan_pr @WBCBaseball @Dodgers #Dodgers pic.twitter.com/zIiT4gBL42— 横山尚杜(Naoto Yokoyama) サンスポMLB担当 (@Naoto_SANSPO) February 26, 2026
