Shohei Ohtani Confirmed for 2026 WBC as DH Only, No Pitching Role

Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani is confirmed for Japan's 2026 World Baseball Classic roster, marking his third appearance. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced Ohtani will serve solely as a designated hitter, a decision made by Ohtani himself, opting not to pitch in the tournament. He returned to the mound for the Dodgers in 2025 after missing 2024 due to an elbow injury. Ohtani was the 2023 WBC MVP, hitting .435/.606/.739 with 1 HR and 8 RBIs, while also going 2-0 with a 1.86 ERA and 11 strikeouts on the mound.