Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Shohei Ohtani Faces No Contract Restrictions for 2026 World Baseball Classic

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jake Elman | Last updated Nov 19, 2025 8:33 AM ET

If Shohei Ohtani wants to play for Team Japan in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, the Los Angeles Dodgers can’t say no under MLB rules, according to longtime Japanese baseball reporter Yuki Yamada.

Yamada shared on Wednesday, November 19, that Ohtani’s 10‑year, $700 million contract does not include a clause restricting him from competing in the WBC. According to Yamada, Major League Baseball teams are prevented from including such clauses in contracts.

“A team can only stop a player from participating if there is a reason related to injury,” an unnamed agent told Yamada.

Ohtani, the two‑time defending NL  MVP, led Team  Japan to a WBC title in 2023. He hit .435 with a homer, eight RBIs, four doubles, and a 1.345 OPS in 23 plate appearances. Ohtani, then with the Los  Angeles Angels, also went 2‑0 with a 1.86 ERA and an 11‑2 K‑BB ratio over 8⅔ innings; he struck out then‑teammate Mike Trout for the tournament’s final out and earned WBC MVP honors.

Shohei Ohtani earned World Baseball Classic MVP honors for Team Japan in 2023Rhona Wise-USA TODAY Sports

As of publication, Ohtani had not committed to playing for Team Japan in next year’s WBC. He told reporters earlier this month that the Dodgers and Samurai Japan were discussing his potential participation.

“Since I can’t be directly involved in the discussion, I’m currently waiting for word,” Ohtani said. “I think a decision will be made soon.”

What to Know About the 2026 World Baseball Classic

The 2026 World Baseball Classic features 20 teams from five different continents, headlined by Japan, the United States, and the Dominican Republic, all of whom have previously won the WBC. There are four five‑team pools, with games beginning on March 5 and taking place in Miami, Houston, Tokyo, and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Daikin Park in Houston and loanDepot Park in Miami will host the quarterfinals. The semifinals and finals will be played in Miami.

5. Fans in Arizona punch out Randy Arozarena pic.twitter.com/OCAmisoP3v
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) August 21, 2024

As of November 19, 2025, notable names who have committed to playing in the 2026 WBC include the following:

United States: Aaron Judge, RF, New York Yankees; Bobby Witt Jr., SS, Kansas City Royals; Cal Raleigh, C, Seattle Mariners; Corbin Carroll, OF, Arizona Diamondbacks; Paul Skenes, P, Pittsburgh Pirates; Pete Crow‑Armstrong, OF, Chicago Cubs.

Dominican Republic: Juan Soto, OF, New York Mets.

Puerto Rico: Francisco Lindor, SS, New York Mets; Seth Lugo, P, Kansas City Royals.

Israel: Dean Kremer, P, Baltimore Orioles; Garrett Stubbs, C, Philadelphia Phillies; Harrison Bader, OF, free agent (formerly of the Philadelphia Phillies).

Harrison Bader confirmed that he will play for Israel in the 2026 World Baseball Classic

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— Shawn Spradling (@Shawn_Spradling) April 22, 2025