World Baseball Network is taking a way too early look at what some squads could look like for the World Baseball Classic (WBC). Today, we look at what a potential lineup could look like for Samurai Japan.
Most of Samurai Japan’s lineup could potentially return for the 2026 edition, as Japan is coming off a championship win in 2023 when they defeated the United States in the finals. After not playing in the WBC in 2023, Seiya Suzuki could look to enter Japan’s starting lineup if he is up for the challenge. Munetaka Murakami could also be signing an MLB contract as the WBC gets closer in 2026, so it will also be intriguing to see if he will be on the roster. Other hitters who could be considered for the lineup and bench include Kensuke Kondoh, Takumi Ohshiro, Ukyo Shuto, Hotaka Yamakawa, Kaito Kozono, Shota Morishita and Chusei Mannami.
Japan’s starting rotation could be one of the best rotations in the entire World Baseball Classic. As Shohei Ohtani progresses in his rehab assignment to get back to throwing off a mound, it is likely that he will be back to full strength to provide valuable innings for Japan. His current teammate, Yoshinobu Yamamoto will also be looking to pitch alongside him as the team’s one-two punch. Other starting pitchers who could bid for a spot in Japan’s rotation are Yu Darvish, Shota Imanaga, Roki Sasaki, Shosei Togo, Hiroya Miyagi, Hiroto Takahashi, and Hiromi Itoh.
As for their bullpen, Taisei Ota looks to be the favorite to be the closer once again. Japan also relied on Yuki Matsui and Atuski Yuasa during the 2023 edition of the WBC. Ota collected 29 saves in 2024, pitching to a 1-2 record, posting an 0.88 ERA in 43 games, and picking up 54 strikeouts in just 41 innings pitched. Other candidates who could be considered for Japan’s bullpen include Chihiro Sumida, Shota Suzuki, Sora Suzuki, and Kohei Morihara.
The 2026 World Baseball Classic will begin on March 5 and will run until March 17. Samurai Japan will be part of Pool C, where they will face Australia, South Korea, and the Czech Republic. Pool C will be played at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan.
