Ohtani’s Prime Physique Sets the Stage for WBC and Consecutive World Triumphs

The Next Samurai Japan

“Physically, in terms of training response, I think I’m around my peak right now.”

On November 26, Shohei Ohtani (31) of the Los Angeles Dodgers spoke these words during a joint online media interview, exuding both confidence and resolve. Having finished the season in the best possible way with a second consecutive World Series victory, Ohtani announced on November 25 that he would participate in next March’s World Baseball Classic (WBC).

“Although Ohtani himself had regarded this season as a rehabilitation season, he ended up hitting 55 home runs and performing strongly in the postseason, contributing fully both as a hitter and a pitcher. Because of this, there were concerns that he might prioritize recovery and decline WBC participation. Manager Hirokazu Ibata (50) and the rest of the Samurai Japan leadership must have breathed a sigh of relief. With Ohtani participating, other MLB players on the team—such as Yoshinobu Yamamoto (27) and Roki Sasaki (24), who are also in the majors—will surely be motivated as well,” said a sports newspaper editor.

Shota Imanaga (32) of the Cubs and Kodai Senga (32) of the Mets, who are expected to anchor Samurai Japan’s starting rotation alongside Yamamoto, both suffered injuries this season, raising speculation that they might skip the WBC. However, if the three Dodgers players who played until the end of the season participate, Imanaga and Senga may decide to join as well.

“MLB hitters tend to struggle with off-speed pitches, so NPB pitchers such as Hiromi Ito (28) of Hokkaido Nippon-Ham, Koto Saiki (27) of Hanshin, and Hiroto Takahashi (23) of Chunichi, all of whom have forkballs or splitters as their signature pitches, are likely candidates for starting roles. Additionally, Daiya Miyagi (24) of Orix and Tomoichiro Sumida (26) of Seibu are valuable left-handed pitchers capable of pitching long innings. In the bullpen, pitchers with strong fastballs such as Shinya Matsuyama (25) of Chunichi, Masataka Oikawa (24) of Hanshin, Kazuki Sugiyama (27) of SoftBank, and Kaima Taira (26) of Seibu are expected to be key contributors. This provides sufficient support so that Ohtani as a pitcher does not bear an excessive burden,” explained sports writer Nachi Tomonari.

If the full roster participates, the pitching staff will be even stronger than in the previous WBC. And the same goes for the position players.

The Road to Consecutive WBC Victories

“By placing Ohtani as the leadoff batter to set the momentum, letting Seiya Suzuki (31) of the Cubs, Teruaki Sato (27) of the Hanshin Tigers, Kazuma Okamoto (29) who is posting for MLB, and Munetaka Murakami (25) hit in the middle of the lineup to drive in runners, and having Shugo Maki (27) of DeNA function as the fearsome bottom of the order, Japan can create chances even against top MLB pitchers. Okamoto and Murakami will have their first crucial MLB seasons next year, but in the previous tournament, Masataka Yoshida (Red Sox, 32) participated in his first MLB year, so depending on the players’ willingness, they should be able to play,” said the desk reporter.

However, the path to consecutive WBC victories is more difficult than last time. The United States, with superstars like Aaron Judge (33) of the Yankees and Cy Young Award-winning pitcher Paul Skenes (23), has expressed strong desire to participate, while the Dominican Republic, featuring Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (26) of the Blue Jays who troubled the Dodgers in the World Series, may surpass Japan in overall strength.

“If we assume a rematch with the United States in the finals, the key will be the prior game against the Dominican Republic. If they bring their ace left-hander Christopher Sanchez (Phillies, 28), it will be crucial how effectively Ohtani, as the leadoff batter, can neutralize him and give momentum to the team.

In a finals matchup against the United States, Japan holds a psychological advantage because the memory of victory from the last tournament is still fresh. In international tournaments, this mental edge can be surprisingly significant,” said Tomonari (sports writer).

Ohtani, aware that his body is at its peak, is expected next year to further refine the power to compete with fastballs, and the reflexes to handle elite breaking balls, reaching the pinnacle of his career.

On the stage of the final for the world championship, imagining Ohtani blasting a 100-mile pitch from the ace of the MLB galaxy team into the stands—it’s impossible not to feel excited.

—From “FRIDAY”, December 19–26, 2025 combined issue