The wait is finally over for baseball fans worldwide. Defending champions Samurai Japan have officially unveiled their roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, anchored by Los Angeles Dodgers superstars Shohei Ohtani and reigning World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Manager Hirokazu Ibata announced the 29-man squad in Tokyo yesterday, confirming a historic lineup that features a record eight Major League Baseball players. As the team prepares to defend its global title this March, the inclusion of Japan’s biggest icons signals a clear message: they are playing for nothing less than back-to-back championships.
MLB Heavyweights Lead the Charge
The headline news, unsurprisingly, is the reunion of Dodgers teammates Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto on the international stage. Ohtani, fresh off another MVP campaign, returns to the tournament where he cemented his legend in 2023. While his hitting prowess is guaranteed, Manager Ibata noted that Ohtani’s pitching role remains "to be determined" based on his progression in Spring Training. Joining him is Yamamoto, whose dominance in the 2025 World Series made his participation a top priority for the national team.
Beyond the Dodgers duo, the roster boasts an unprecedented depth of MLB talent. Seiya Suzuki (Chicago Cubs) and Yuki Matsui (San Diego Padres) provide veteran stability. The squad also features new faces in the MLB ranks, reflecting the recent wave of talent crossing the Pacific. Munetaka Murakami, now with the Chicago White Sox, and Kazuma Okamoto of the Toronto Blue Jays, will bring their power bats to the heart of the lineup. Rounding out the MLB contingent are veteran pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano and Angels southpaw Yusei Kikuchi, giving Japan a rotation that rivals any in the tournament.
Domestic Stars and Rising Talent
While the MLB stars grab the headlines, the core of Samurai Japan remains its elite NPB talent. The pitching staff is fortified by Hiroto Takahashi of the Chunichi Dragons and Orix Buffaloes ace Hiroya Miyagi, both of whom have been dominant domestically. A surprise inclusion is young Orix phenom Ryuhei Sotani, whose selection highlights Japan’s commitment to integrating the next generation of arms.
In the field, versatility is key. Kaito Kozono (Hiroshima Carp) and Teruaki Sato (Hanshin Tigers) offer defensive flexibility and explosive offensive potential. Behind the dish, the experienced Yuhei Nakamura (Yakult Swallows) returns to guide a pitching staff he knows intimately, ensuring the battery remains a strength regardless of who is on the mound.
Notable Omissions: Sasaki and Nootbaar
Despite the star power, there are significant absences. Dodgers sensation Roki Sasaki was left off the roster due to a lingering shoulder injury sustained during the 2025 season. His absence is a blow, but one the team prepared for given his recent workload. Additionally, fan favorite Lars Nootbaar is unavailable due to a heel issue, missing the chance to recreate the "pepper grinder" magic of 2023. One roster spot remains open, with speculation mounting that Boston Red Sox outfielder Masataka Yoshida could fill the final vacancy if cleared.
Path to the Trophy: WBC 2026 Schedule
Samurai Japan begins its title defense on home soil in Pool C at the Tokyo Dome. The pool play, running from March 5-10, will see Japan face off against familiar Asian rivals Korea and Chinese Taipei, along with Australia and Czechia. The atmosphere in Tokyo is expected to be electric, providing a significant home-field advantage for the opening round.
Should they advance, the road leads to the United States. The quarterfinals are split between Houston and Miami, with the semifinals and championship game set for loanDepot park in Miami from March 15-17. For Ohtani and Yamamoto, this path offers a chance to win another title in their adopted home country, but they must first navigate a treacherous field that includes a star-studded Team USA and a hungry Dominican Republic squad.
"Championship or Bust"
Manager Hirokazu Ibata has been clear about the team's objective. "We are only thinking about winning the championship," Ibata told reporters in Tokyo. The pressure to repeat is immense, especially with the deepened roster of MLB talent. However, the blend of World Series experience and hungry NPB stars suggests that Samurai Japan is not just defending a title—they are looking to establish a dynasty.
