Overview
- Free-agent right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano returns after a 2025 season with the Orioles and is the only MLB-experienced pick in this group.
- Sugano last pitched for Japan in the 2017 Classic, tying Kodai Senga for the tournament lead with 16 strikeouts.
- Returning WBC players named were Shugo Maki, Sosuke Genda, Kensuke Kondoh, Taisei Makihara and Ukyo Shuto.
- First-time selections include catchers Kenya Wakatsuki and Seishiro Sakamoto, reliever Yuki Matsumoto (1.07 ERA in 2025) and sluggers Shota Morishita (23 HR, .813 OPS) and Teruaki Sato (40 HR, 102 RBI).
- The team expects to announce the remaining 11 roster spots later this month under manager Hirokazu Ibata.