Ohtani, Kikuchi & 6 Others Named to Samurai Japan WBC Roster
- The first eight members of Samurai Japan, the national baseball team, were revealed on friday, December 26, 2025, as preparations begin for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
- Headlining the initial selections is two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
- Rounding out the announced players are five pitchers currently playing in NPB: Hiromi Ito of the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters, Kaima Taira of the Seibu Lions, Atsuki Taneichi...
Japan Announces First Eight Players for 2026 World Baseball Classic
Published December 26, 2025
Initial Roster Boasts MLB and NPB Stars
The first eight members of Samurai Japan, the national baseball team, were revealed on friday, December 26, 2025, as preparations begin for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The roster features a compelling mix of Major League baseball talent and stars from Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league.
Headlining the initial selections is two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers. He is joined by MLB pitchers Yusei Kikuchi, also of the Los Angeles Angels, who will be making his debut in the WBC, and San Diego Padres pitcher yuki Matsui.
Rounding out the announced players are five pitchers currently playing in NPB: Hiromi Ito of the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters, Kaima Taira of the Seibu Lions, Atsuki Taneichi of the Chiba Lotte Marines, Taisei Ota of the Yomiuri Giants, and Daichi Ishii of the Hanshin Tigers.
Manager Ibata Expresses Confidence in MLB Contingent
Samurai Japan is aiming to defend its title, having won the World Baseball Classic in 2023. Manager Hirokazu Ibata expressed his optimism regarding the contributions of the MLB players, stating he hopes they “will make full use of their power” during the tournament.
Ibata indicated that further roster announcements are expected in mid-January 2026, suggesting a phased approach to building the team.