Dodgers Shohei Ohtani to play for Japan in 2026 World Baseball Classic

The 2023 World Baseball Classic MVP is looking to make it back.

Shohei Ohtani announced on Instagram on Monday that he will suit up for Japan in the 2026 WBC.

“Thank you to all the fans for another great season. I will train hard and look forward to seeing you next year,” the post said in Japanese before reading: “Happy to play and represent Japan again.”

During the 2023 event, Ohtani led his country to the title through his exploits on both sides of the ball.

The now four-time MLB MVP posted a 1.345 OPS in the tournament with one home run, four doubles and eight RBI. On the mound, Ohtani went 2-0 in three appearances with a 1.86 ERA, 11 strikeouts and one save in 9.2 innings.

Japan will once again host the opening round. Pool C will be played at the Tokyo Dome and includes Australia, Chinese Taipei, Czechia, Japan and Korea.

The pool begins play on March 5. The other three pools are hosted in San Juan, Houston and Miami.

Ohtani joins the likes of superstars Aaron Judge, Paul Askins and Francisco Lindor who have already committed to play in the tournament.

In 2025, Ohtani won his third straight MVP and his second straight World Series.

The two-way star hit 55 homers, posted a 1.014 OPS and pitched to a 2.87 ERA in 47 innings for the Los Angeles Dodgers.