Shohei Ohtani Pens Thank You Post After Japan Eliminated from WBC Bracket by Venezuela

Shohei Ohtani penned a message to fans back home and his teammates following Japan's exit from the World Baseball Classic.

"Thank you, fans, for your support," he wrote on Instagram. "Your cheers gave us the push we needed every single day. ... To the players, the manager, the coaches, and all the staff members who supported our team: Although it was a brief period, I am deeply grateful for the experience of playing baseball alongside all of you as members of the Japanese national team. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart."

Japan's WBC title defense came to an end with an 8-5 loss to Venezuela in the quarterfinals. The reigning champions led 5-2 before the bullpen gave up a pair of costly homers to Maikel Garcia and Wilyer Abreu.

Thanks to the result, Ohtani experienced a feeling he hasn't come across in a little while. After his triumph with Japan in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, he won a pair of World Series titles with the Dodgers.

In recent years, the four-time MVP didn't come away empty-handed when competing on the biggest stages.

"In international competition, of course you want another chance, whether you call it revenge or a new challenge," he said after the Venezuela game. "I don't know in what form I myself will be able to play next time, but when that opportunity comes, I want to focus on it again."

Ohtani may not have to wait too long for that next shot.

Commissioner Rob Manfred hasn't shut the door on MLB players representing their countries in the 2028 Summer Olympics. That has always proven difficult given the MLB season and Olympics overlapping.

Some of baseball's biggest names might be vying for gold in Los Angeles.