TOKYO.– The Japanese national team officially announced its roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, led by superstars Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, in a historic call-up that includes eight Major League players, the largest number recorded by the Japanese team in this tournament.
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Manager
Hirokazu Ibata announced the list this Monday, highlighting the mix of international talent and local experience with which Japan will seek to
defend the title won in 2023. In addition to Ohtani and Yamamoto, both key figures in that consecration, the squad includes
Munetaka Murakami,
Kazuma Okamoto and
Seiya Suzuki, who was unable to participate in the last edition due to injury.
There is still one spot to be defined, which will be announced once the final roster is officially completed.
Among the most notable absences are
Roki Sasaki, who is coming off a season marked by physical problems despite his impact in the postseason with the Dodgers, and
Lars Nootbaar, who underwent surgery on both heels during the offseason.
The Japanese team will have
15 players who were part of the 2023 champion squad, which provides a solid base of continuity, depth and international experience.
“Representing Japan again is an honor and a great responsibility. I have worked intensely to arrive in the best possible condition and, together with my teammates and the coaching staff, we will fight for the highest goals,” Yamamoto expressed in an official statement.
Preparation and Calendar
The players in the Japanese league will hold a training camp in
Miyazaki from February 14 to 24, before playing the
Japan Samurai Series, which will begin on February 27. Major League players will join the group starting with the exhibition games scheduled for
March 2 in Osaka.
Japan, three-time World Baseball Classic champion (2006, 2009 and 2023), will be in
Group C, along with
Australia, South Korea, Czech Republic and Chinese Taipei, and will debut on
March 6 against Chinese Taipei at the
Tokyo Dome.
