Shohei Ohtani’s Shocking WBC Decision: What It Means for Japan and the Baseball World
Shohei Ohtani is gearing up for another monumental chapter in his already dazzling career — he’s set to don Japan’s colors once again in next year’s World Baseball Classic. The two-way dynamo from the Los Angeles Dodgers made this announcement late Monday on social media, reigniting the excitement of fans worldwide. If you recall, Ohtani was the keystone in Japan’s triumphant 2023 WBC run, famously fanning none other than Mike Trout — his former Angels teammate — for the decisive final out against the U.S., grabbing the MVP trophy for his Herculean efforts.
Just this month, Ohtani snagged his fourth MVP accolade after steering the Dodgers to back-to-back World Series crowns. Despite sitting out the 2024 season on the mound due to Tommy John surgery rehab, he made a stunning comeback this year, delivering a postseason performance for the ages — striking out ten hitters and blasting three homers en route to a clean sweep over Milwaukee in the NL Championship Series. While the specifics of whether he’ll pitch in the upcoming WBC remain under wraps, one thing’s for sure: Ohtani’s presence will electrify the tournament beginning March 5.
LOS ANGELES — Shohei Ohtani plans to play for Japan in next year’s World Baseball Classic, the two-way Los Angeles Dodgers star announced on social media Monday night.
Ohtani helped Japan win the 2023 WBC, striking out then-Los Angeles Angels teammate Mike Trout for the final out of the championship game against the United States. He was named MVP of the tournament.
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Ohtani won his fourth MVP award this month, shortly after he helped the Dodgers win their second straight World Series title. He returned to the mound this season after not pitching in 2024 while recovering from Tommy John surgery.
In the postseason, he had arguably the best game in major league history, striking out 10 batters and hitting three homers as the Dodgers completed a four-game NL Championship Series sweep of Milwaukee.
Ohtani did not specify in his post whether he plans to pitch for Japan in the WBC, which begins on March 5.
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