Overview
- Shohei Ohtani has indicated he will play in the 2026 WBC, but the Dodgers’ manager said he hopes Ohtani does not pitch and instead focuses on hitting.
- Team Japan manager Hirokazu Iba asked Ohtani and other MLB players to join before the March 2–3 exhibition games in Osaka for time-zone adjustment and final tuning.
- The Dodgers’ leadership, including the general manager, has publicly taken a cautious stance on Ohtani operating as a two-way player for the tournament.
- Iba said he is not currently considering adding U.S.-based reinforcements after the quarterfinal stage.
- The WBC’s official account confirmed Kyle Schwarber and Will Smith for the United States, while the availability of other Japanese MLB players remains unresolved.