Light. Truth. Clarity.
Story byShohei OhtaniValentina MartinezSat, January 31, 2026 at 8:35 PM UTC·2 min readLos Angeles Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani reveals he could pitch for Team Japan in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Ohtani’s availability on the mound depends on how he feels as he begins to ramp up in the coming weeks. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe three-time Most Valuable player spoke to reporters at DodgerFest about his plans for the tournament in March.“In terms of the World Baseball Classic, I just have to see how my body feels and see what happens,” Ohtani said about his two-way status. Regardless, he is expected to be fully prepared to DH for Samurai Japan. Nov 1, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) reacts after striking out Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Andres Gimenez (0) in the second inning during game seven of the 2025 MLB World Series at Rogers Centre. Shohei Ohtani to Have First Full Two-Way Season With Dodgers in 2026The Dodgers two-way star is set to have a full season on the mound and at the plate, which would mark the first time Ohtani has done so with the Dodgers. In 2024, Ohtani was the Dodgers’ exclusive designated hitter as he recovered from surgery that repaired a torn UCL. He more than delivered in his inaugural season with the Dodgers as he had one of the most dominant offensive seasons ever. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHe set career-highs in home runs, hits, runs scored, runs batted in, doubles, and stolen bases, and invented the 50 home run, 50 stolen base club, ending the 2024 campaign with 54 home runs and 59 stolen bases. Ohtani capped off the season with a unanimous National League MVP award. In 2025, Ohtani made his Dodgers pitcher debut in June against the San Diego Padres. He tossed just one inning against the top of the Padres order as he began his ramp up for the playoffs. Ohtani averaged .282 with 55 home runs, 102 RBIs, and an OPS of 1.014 last season.
Credit: Yahoo
This quick summary is automatically generated using AI based on reports from multiple news sources. The content has not been reviewed or verified by humans. For complete details, accuracy, and context, please refer to the original published articles.
