Defending World Baseball Classic champions Japan are gearing up for another title defense as they aim for a historic fourth crown in 2026. Manager Hirokazu Ibata has unveiled a 29-man roster, with one final spot expected to be finalized this week, following staggered announcements in December and January.
Ibata, a former eight-time NPB All-Star, succeeds Hideki Kuriyama, who retired after guiding Japan to an unforgettable undefeated run in 2023 and was recently inducted into the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame. Japan has lost only one game under Ibata so far, but that defeat came in the gold medal game of the 2024 Premier12, when they were shockingly upset by Chinese Taipei on home soil.
Japan’s position player group may be its deepest yet, blending elite NPB stars with MLB talent. Global superstar Shohei Ohtani (Dodgers) anchors the order as the designated hitter, supported by an infield core featuring top sluggers Munetaka Murakami (White Sox), Kazuma Okamoto (Blue Jays), and Shugo Maki (BayStars). Sosuke Genda (Lions) and Kaito Kozono (Carp) will vie for the shortstop job, while reigning Central League MVP Teruaki Sato (Tigers) is expected to serve as a super backup at the hot corner or factor into the corner outfield mix.
Behind the plate, defense and leadership skills are prioritized with Seishiro Sakamoto (Tigers), Kenya Wakatsuki (Buffaloes), and Yuhei Nakamura (Swallows). The outfield projects to feature big bats in Kensuke Kondoh (Hawks), Shota Morishita (Tigers), and Seiya Suzuki (Cubs), with speedster Ukyo Shuto (Hawks) providing late-inning impact off the bench. Taisei Makihara (Hawks) will be a key utilityman. The lone remaining roster spot could still go to contact specialist Masataka Yoshida (Red Sox).
On the mound, the rotation lacks some of the jaw-dropping star power of 2023 but remains formidable. 2025 World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Dodgers) headlines the staff, with veterans Yusei Kikuchi (Angels) and Tomoyuki Sugano (Free Agent) providing depth and experience. Ohtani, meanwhile, is not expected to pitch in the tournament.
High-end NPB aces such as reigning Sawamura Award winner Hiromi Itoh (Fighters) and southpaw Hiroya Miyagi (Buffaloes) could also slot into the rotation, with others like Atsuki Taneichi (Marines), Hiroto Takahashi (Dragons), Koki Kitayama (Fighters), and Ryuhei Sotani (Buffaloes) likely to be deployed as multi-inning followers. Additionally, Ibata called up great high-leverage bullpen options, including Yuki Matsumoto (Hawks), Daichi Ishii (Tigers), Kaima Taira (Lions), Taisei (Giants), and Yuki Matsui (Padres).
Though notable studs like Shunpeita Yamashita (Buffaloes), Tatsuya Imai (Astros), and Roki Sasaki (Dodgers) are absent, Japan still undoubtedly boasts one of the WBC’s most complete pitching staffs. Plus, Kodai Senga (Mets) and Shota Imanaga (Cubs) are still candidates to be added as the 30th man.
After an extended training camp in Miyazaki, the Samurai will open its WBC preparations with exhibition games in Miyazaki, Nagoya, and Osaka before beginning Pool C play at the Tokyo Dome from March 6-10 against Chinese Taipei, Korea, Australia, and Czechia. Japan is a heavy favorite to top the group again, with Chinese Taipei, Korea, and Australia expected to compete for second.
For a more detailed breakdown of the roster, check out my latest article for Just Baseball.
Samurai Japan’s 29-man Roster (as of February 1):
DH Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Dodgers)
C Seishiro Sakamoto (Hanshin Tigers)
C Kenya Wakatsuki (Orix Buffaloes)
C Yuhei Nakamura (Tokyo Yakult Swallows)
1B Munetaka Murakami (Chicago White Sox)
2B Shugo Maki (Yokohama DeNA BayStars)
3B Kazuma Okamoto (Toronto Blue Jays)
3B Teruaki Sato (Hanshin Tigers)
SS Kaito Kozono (Hiroshima Toyo Carp)
SS Sosuke Genda (Saitama Seibu Lions)
OF Seiya Suzuki (Chicago Cubs)
OF Shota Morishita (Hanshin Tigers)
OF Ukyo Shuto (Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks)
OF Kensuke Kondoh (Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks)
UTL Taisei Makihara (Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks)
RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Los Angeles Dodgers)
RHP Tomoyuki Sugano (Free Agent)
RHP Hiromi Itoh (Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters)
RHP Koki Kitayama (Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters)
RHP Atsuki Taneichi (Chiba Lotte Marines)
RHP Hiroto Takahashi (Chunichi Dragons)
RHP Kaima Taira (Saitama Seibu Lions)
RHP Yuki Matsumoto (Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks)
RHP Daichi Ishii (Hanshin Tigers)
RHP Taisei (Yomiuri Giants)
LHP Yusei Kikuchi (Los Angeles Angels)
LHP Yuki Matsui (San Diego Padres)
LHP Hiroya Miyagi (Orix Buffaloes)
LHP Ryuhei Sotani (Orix Buffaloes)
