Is Shohei Ohtani Playing In The 2026 World Baseball Classic?

Two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani is expected to represent Japan in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, with the tournament scheduled to be held across multiple international locations, as the baseball phenom continues his commitment to national competition following his historic MLB performances. The potential involvement of Ohtani, who has become one of baseball's most dynamic players since his transition from Nippon Professional Baseball to MLB, would mark another significant international appearance for the Los Angeles Angels star. Ohtani previously represented Japan in international competitions, most notably during the 2017 World Baseball Classic where he helped lead Team Japan to the championship title, showcasing his exceptional pitching and hitting abilities on the global stage. The World Baseball Classic, organized by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC), features national teams from around the world competing for the championship title, typically occurring every four years with the most recent edition in 2023 also won by Japan.