Key Highlights
- 5 to Mar.
- 17.
- Each team will play four games in the tournament during pool play, and the top two teams from each of the four pools will advance to single-elimination knockout rounds. The last WBC came in 2023, with Team Japan taking a win over Team USA. Mar 21, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Japan designated hitter and closing pitcher Shohei Ohtani (16) and team Japan celebrate with the World Baseball Classic trophy after defeating the USA in the World Baseball Classic at LoanDepot Park.
- Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-USA TODAY SportsWhich Dodgers Players Will Play in the World Baseball Classic?Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto are returning for Team Japan as they look for their record fourth WBC title, as well as their second in a row. Ohtani recorded the final out of the 2023 WBC and has won two MVPs since then, and Yamamoto is one of the best pitchers in baseball.
- With their inclusions, Japan is one of the clear favorites for the tournament. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMore news: 2 Talented Dodgers Pitchers Not Expected to Make Opening Day RotationTeam USA also has plenty of talent, though, and a couple of Dodgers will feature for them as well.