Shohei Ohtani confirms he will join Team Japan in return to World Baseball Classic in 2026

Shohei Ohtani is coming off his second straight World Series title with the Los Angeles Dodgers. In March, he'll be aiming for another trophy.

The reigning NL MVP confirmed Monday that he will join Team Japan in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Ohtani will make his return to help the team defend its 2023 title, where the pitcher closed out Japan's victory over Team USA in the WBC final.

In an Instagram post Monday, Ohtani thanked Dodgers fans for their support this season, before adding in Japanese that he was "happy to play and represent Japan again." The post included multiple photos from Japan and Ohtani's championship run in 2023, plus a photo confirming the pitcher's intention to play in 2026.

Ohtani was a key figure in Japan's 2023 victory, finishing off Team USA behind a clutch closing performance. After starting the game as a designated hitter, Ohtani struck out then-teammate Mike Trout in the final out of the game. Ohtani was immediately mobbed by his teammates after the win.

Japan has gone back-to-back on WBC titles before, winning the first two tournaments in 2006 and 2009. They will aim to do it again with Ohtani among the likely stacked group of pitchers.

However, Team USA is likely to come into the tournament with a chip on its shoulder, and a stacked roster of its own. Reigning AL MVP Aaron Judge will serve as team captain, with Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes and Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. among those who have committed to play for the U.S.

The competition will start March 5, with group play taking place in four cities: Houston, Miami, Tokyo and San Juan, Puerto Rico.