Shohei Ohtani Leads Los Angeles Dodgers in 2026 World Baseball Classic

The Los Angeles Dodgers figure to be well-represented in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, but to this point only have one confirmed participated in Shohei Ohtani, who announced plans to play for Team Japan as they look to repeat as champions.

The 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) promises an exciting tournament with many elite players set to represent their countries, including notable talent from the Los Angeles Dodgers. Shohei Ohtani has officially confirmed his participation for Team Japan as they aim to defend their title. Other Dodgers players such as Mookie Betts and Will Smith are potential participants for Team USA, among international stars from various teams. With the tournament scheduled to run from March 5-17, 2026, and games hosted in multiple global locations, baseball fans worldwide have much to anticipate.

Key Bullet Points:

• Shohei Ohtani confirmed to play for Team Japan in the 2026 WBC, seeking to defend their championship.
• Mookie Betts and Will Smith are potential participants for Team USA, though not yet confirmed.
• Other Dodgers players, including Freddie Freeman (Canada) and Teoscar Hernández (Dominican Republic), may also compete.
• The tournament will feature 20 teams divided into four pools, with games hosted in Puerto Rico, Houston, Tokyo, and Miami.
• The championship game is set for March 17, 2026, at loanDepot Park in Miami, Florida.

Shohei Ohtani leads Dodgers’ representation in the 2026 World Baseball Classic

Shohei Ohtani officially confirmed his participation in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, announcing his intent on Instagram with over one million likes on his post. As the reigning WBC MVP and 2023 champions, Team Japan will look to Ohtani to replicate the dominant performance that helped them secure their third World Baseball Classic title. Ohtani’s remarkable two-way play — hitting .435 with four doubles and a home run, and pitching to a 1.86 ERA with 11 strikeouts in 9 2/3 innings during the 2023 tournament — sets high expectations for his participation in 2026.

Despite uncertainty as to whether Ohtani will pitch or solely hit, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed support for Ohtani and other Japanese players who might join, highlighting the physical toll that pitching takes but recognizing the importance of the tournament for both players and their country.

Potential Dodgers participants and international representation

Other Dodgers stars have yet to officially confirm their participation, but rumors suggest Mookie Betts and Will Smith could join Team USA again after competing in the 2023 WBC final against Japan. Additionally, Freddie Freeman may represent Canada, and Teoscar Hernández has expressed interest in competing for the Dominican Republic. Hernández, appearing on the "On Base With Mookie Betts" podcast, emphasized his desire to help the Dominican Republic capture a WBC championship, having already achieved success in the Winter League, Minor Leagues, and World Series.

The 2026 WBC will see Team Dominican Republic contend in Pool D alongside Venezuela, the Netherlands, Israel, and Nicaragua after a disappointing 2-2 pool record in the previous tournament that kept them from advancing.

Seattle Mariners players and their prospects for WBC participation

The Seattle Mariners are expected to have several players participating across different national teams. Catcher Cal Raleigh is confirmed for Team USA (Pool B, Houston), and starting pitchers Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, Bryan Woo, and Bryce Miller are potential roster additions. Health concerns due to recent injuries may affect some Mariners players’ decisions.

Dominican Republic’s roster could include Mariners outfielders Julio Rodríguez and Victor Robles, pitcher Luis Castillo, and infielder Jorge Polanco. Canada has Mariners first baseman Josh Naylor and relief pitcher Matt Brash potentially playing. Mexico’s team (Pool B, Houston) might feature outfielder Randy Arozarena and reliever Andrés Muñoz. Venezuela’s side (Pool D, Miami) lists relief pitcher Eduard Bazardo and third baseman Eugenio Suárez, while Great Britain (Pool B) could be represented by catcher Harry Ford, a notable rising star. Italy, Colombia, and the Netherlands might also see Mariners prospects such as Miles Mastrobuoni, Michael Arroyo, and Jurrangelo Cijntje participating.

Toronto Blue Jays and other international players expected to shine

The Toronto Blue Jays organization similarly has several players and prospects expected to participate, representing teams like Canada, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Panama, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Brazil, Great Britain, Australia, and the Netherlands. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. stands out, representing the Dominican Republic despite being born in Canada. Emerging talents and some free agents linked to the Blue Jays may also feature prominently.

World Baseball Classic 2026 format and schedule

The 2026 WBC will commence March 5, with 20 teams divided into four pools of five teams each. Pool A will play at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico; Pool B at Daikin Park, Houston; Pool C at the Tokyo Dome; and Pool D at loanDepot Park in Miami. The opening round runs through March 11, followed by quarterfinals on March 13 and 14, semifinals on March 15 and 16, and the final championship game on March 17 in Miami.

Shohei Ohtani’s leadership and legacy in international baseball

Ohtani’s presence in the tournament adds immense prestige. Having led Team Japan to the championship with stellar two-way performances, including the unforgettable strikeout of Mike Trout to secure the final out in 2023, Ohtani is a global baseball icon. His commitment to train hard and return to represent Japan again bodes well for the defending champions’ tournament aspirations.

Dodgers' offseason priorities and roster considerations

While Ohtani’s WBC participation is confirmed, the Dodgers face offseason decisions in strengthening their corner outfield and bullpen. Linking interest in free agents like Kyle Tucker and relievers Edwin Díaz and Devin Williams indicates active roster planning. Conversely, ESPN’s David Schoenfield suggests upgrading the middle infield by pursuing former Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette, who could be more cost-effective, leaving remaining budget for bullpen reinforcement.

Conclusion

As the World Baseball Classic returns in 2026, baseball fans anticipate a showcase of elite global talent, with the Los Angeles Dodgers well-represented by players like Shohei Ohtani and potentially other stars. International competition promises thrilling matchups across continents and cultures, highlighting baseball’s global reach and the returning excitement of this premier tournament. The Dodgers' involvement reflects their players’ international caliber, setting the stage for compelling storylines in the upcoming tournament and beyond.