Is Shohei Ohtani Playing in World Baseball Classic? Dodgers Star Announces Decision

Japan's chances at defending its World Baseball Classic title received quite a boost Monday.

Shohei Ohtani announced on his Instagram page that he will suit up for Japan in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

"Thank you to all the fans for another great season," he wrote. "I'll train hard and look forward to seeing you all next year."

Ohtani was nothing short of dominant in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

He won the Pool B MVP during round-robin play and then took home the entire tournament MVP while leading his country to a championship. As a pitcher, he finished with a 2-0 record, save and 1.86 ERA, while as a hitter he slashed .436/.606/.739 with four doubles, nine runs scored and eight RBI.

The two-way star was also a featured player in the tournament's biggest moment.

His then-Los Angeles Angels teammate Mike Trout stepped to the plate in the ninth inning of the championship game with the bases loaded and two outs. Japan was leading 3-2, and Ohtani preserved the win with a high-drama strikeout.

Anything less than another impressive performance from Ohtani in the 2026 event would be surprising at this point.

After all, he is amassing one of the best resumes in MLB history that already includes two World Series titles, four MVPs, a Rookie of the Year, four Silver Sluggers and five All-Star selections. His ability to control a game as a batter or pitcher makes him unique among his peers, and he is coming off another World Series crown with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Ohtani is on top of the sport and can only add to his legacy with another World Baseball Classic win.