TOKYO, March 1, 2026
Ohtani Leads Samurai Japan’s World Baseball Classic Roster
Shohei Ohtani, fresh off leading Japan to a WBC title in 2023, headlines the Samurai Japan roster announced Friday for the upcoming World Baseball Classic in March.
- Shohei Ohtani will once again wear jersey number 16 for Japan.
- Yusei Kikuchi, a Los Angeles Angels pitcher, will make his first appearance representing Japan due to prior injuries and his MLB career.
- Five pitchers from Nippon Professional Baseball Clubs were also named to the initial roster.
- Japan will begin their WBC campaign against Taiwan on March 6 at the Tokyo Dome.
Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani is among the eight players named in Samurai Japan’s first roster announcement for the World Baseball Classic, which begins in March. Ohtani previously led Japan to victory in the 2023 WBC, earning the tournament’s Most Valuable Player award for his exceptional performance as both a pitcher and a batter.
MLB Stars Join Nippon Professional Baseball Players
Samurai Japan manager Hirokazu Ibata confirmed that two additional current Major League Baseball players – Yusei Kikuchi, starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels, and Yuki Matsui, relief pitcher for the San Diego Padres – will join Ohtani on the 2026 WBC roster.
The remaining five players selected are pitchers from Nippon Professional Baseball Clubs. Hiromi Ito, a right-hander for the Nippon Ham Fighters, leads the group after winning the 2025 Eiji Sawamura Award, recognizing Japan’s best starting pitcher. Also included are Taisei Ota of the Yomiuri Giants, Atsuki Taneichi of the Lotte Marines, Kaima Taira of the Seibu Lions, and Daichi Ishii of the Hanshin Tigers.
What is the Eiji Sawamura Award? The Eiji Sawamura Award is presented annually to the best starting pitcher in Nippon Professional Baseball, recognizing excellence in pitching performance.
Ibata stated, “We expect a tough fight, but we will continue to prepare our team with the goal of winning two titles in a row.” The remaining members of the team are scheduled to be announced in January.
It will be the first time the 34-year-old Kikuchi represents Japan, having been previously unable to participate due to injuries and his transition to Major League Baseball. “I think my only goal is for the team to be No. 1 in the world,” Kikuchi said. “I will do my best to fulfill the role expected of me and throw with all my might to help Japan win.”
Japan will open their WBC campaign against Taiwan on March 6 at the Tokyo Dome. The quarterfinals and subsequent rounds will be held in the United States, culminating in the final on March 17 at LoanDepot Park in Miami.
