Shohei Ohtani will serve exclusively as a designated hitter for Team Japan in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, preserving his arm for the upcoming MLB season.

The last time Shohei Ohtani was in the World Baseball Classic, he struck out his then-Angels teammate Mike Trout to give Team Japan their third title in tournament history. Three years later, fans from around the world will only get to see half of the Ohtani experience.

Shohei Ohtani said on Saturday that he remained uncertain whether he would be a two-way player for Japan in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was more definitive: He won’t be.

One of the biggest storylines in baseball in 2025 was Shohei Ohtani's return as a pitcher. And what a return it was -- from the two-way superstar topping 100 mph in his Dodgers pitching debut to his electric playoff gem against the Brewers,