The 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) is shaping up to feature some of the game’s most electrifying talent, and at the center of the conversation are three stars from the Los Angeles Dodgers: Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki. All three are eligible and expected to represent Team Japan in the spring tournament, which begins March 5, 2026.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has publicly stated that the organization supports their participation in the WBC, even though the coaching staff has some concerns about player health and workload after an intense 2025 campaign. His comments make clear that while the club would prefer to prioritize rest, it won’t stand in the way of these players representing their country.
At the heart of this story is Shohei Ohtani, the two-way phenomenon and reigning National League MVP who has already confirmed his intention to play for Japan. Ohtani’s international stature is immense — he was a standout in the previous WBC in 2023 and is widely expected to be a centerpiece for Japan again.
Alongside him, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki — both elite pitchers and integral pieces of the Dodgers’ rotation — are believed to be on Japan’s preliminary roster. Reports suggest Sasaki has been included on early lists and is anticipated to participate, while Yamamoto’s status remains a strong possibility.
Japan enters the Classic as a perennial favorite, and having three dominant Dodgers pitchers who also happen to be Japanese stars would greatly boost their chances of defending the title. Their involvement would be a major storyline in a tournament already expected to draw immense global interest.
The Dodgers’ endorsement of their stars’ participation isn’t without reservation. Roberts has emphasized that the decision for each player will involve careful talks and possible limitations to protect long-term health and readiness for the 2026 MLB season.
Some of that caution stems from the physical demands of recent success. The Dodgers completed a grueling back-to-back World Series championship run and Tokyo Series showcase in 2025, meaning their Japanese stars logged extra innings and extended seasons.
Pitching workload is a particular concern. In remarks at the Winter Meetings, Roberts suggested that while the team fully supports players representing their country, they might explore usage limitations — such as pitch counts or restricting throwing innings — especially for pitchers coming off heavy workloads. The goal would be to find a compromise that honors national team opportunities without jeopardizing MLB durability.
For the Dodgers, navigating the WBC will require a delicate balance. On one hand, letting Ohtani, Yamamoto and Sasaki play is a proud endorsement of their leadership and star power on the international stage. It signals respect for their heritage and acknowledges how important national representation can be to elite players.
On the other hand, the 2026 MLB season looms shortly after the Classic, and the Dodgers — fresh off deep postseason runs — will want their stars fresh and ready. Ohtani, in particular, has had recent elbow surgery and a managed workload, and Roberts has acknowledged that discussions around how much he will pitch — or even whether he only hits — are still ongoing.
Yamamoto and Sasaki also come with their own workload narratives: both delivered heavy innings in 2025, and any extra international innings could amplify fatigue or injury risk. That’s why the Dodgers’ public support, paired with hints of behind-the-scenes caution, reflects a careful strategic stance.
The potential of having Ohtani, Yamamoto, and Sasaki together at the WBC has already ignited excitement in both MLB and international baseball communities. It would create one of the most compelling pitching trios ever assembled for a national team — a fact that former Dodgers stars and analysts have highlighted as crucial for Japan’s success on the world stage.
For fans of the Dodgers, it’s a moment of pride and complexity: seeing beloved stars embrace their heritage on a global platform, while also worrying about the toll it may take heading into another competitive MLB season.
The Dodgers’ official support for Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki to play in the 2026 World Baseball Classic is a powerful gesture — but it comes with a clear understanding of the challenges it presents. Balancing national pride with the physical realities of elite baseball performance is not easy, and the organization’s nuanced stance reflects that.
As spring nears and final rosters take shape, all eyes will be on these stars and how they manage their roles — both for Team Japan and the Dodgers. Whether they pitch, hit, or take on a hybrid role, their involvement promises to elevate the Classic while setting the stage for a dramatic 2026 MLB season filled with narrative, talent, and international intrigue.
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