The next baseball season, essentially, is almost a year-long one now with the upcoming World Baseball Classic, and the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers have their own cadre of participants who will represent their home countries. For the record, teams cannot forbid their players from participating in the tournament, but they can advise the international teams on how they should be used. Here are some of the most interesting nuggets heading into the commitment season.
Dodgers Notes for March’s World Baseball Classic
The Trio from Japan
Shohei Ohtani apparently can’t get enough baseball. The four-time Most Valuable Player was one of the first to announce his intentions. The two-way player has played a pivotal role in the history of the WBC, as he led Japan over the United States in the last edition in 2023. In fact, he struck out Mike Trout to seal Japan’s win. The Dodgers are hoping that Superman will only use his bat this year. Manager Dave Roberts openly discussed the “wear and tear” on Ohtani’s arm, nearly a year removed from arm surgery. Ohtani rehabbed his latest injury on a major-league mound this year because his bat is simply too valuable to replace. The jury is still out on whether or not he will pitch in the WBC.
Shohei Ohtani 2026 Team Japan edition … loading 🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/SIBG7dyg2O
— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) November 25, 2025
Roki Sasaki has made it clear that he will pitch. The Japanese rookie was thrust into the closer role after coming back from a shoulder impingement. It was a move made out of necessity for the Dodgers. He adapted better than Los Angeles could have hoped. However, he will be returning to the starting rotation in 2026. His contribution to Japan may serve the purpose of winter to build up arm strength and endurance in his bid to return to the starting rotation next season. The Los Angeles organization has yet to throw cold water on his participation.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the current World Series Most Valuable Player, has thrown his hat in the ring. Yamamoto may have a rubber arm as he seems to carry more than his own weight. For him, “losing is not an option.”
Looking to Japan’s close neighbor, Hyeseong Kim says he wants to play for South Korea.
Team USA
America’s Pastime will have a homegrown delegation. Will Smith and Mookie Betts will represent the United States at two of the most demanding positions on the diamond, catcher and shortstop. Other players are to be determined.
The Fresh Prince is back 🇺🇸
Will Smith will return to Team USA for the World Baseball Classic in 2026! pic.twitter.com/Rwwnyo3DXn
— USA Baseball (@USABaseball) December 9, 2025
Saving It for the Season
Teoscar Hernández is a native of the Dominican Republic. He has already bowed out of the WBC, saying he must get his body ready to play next season. He struggled with injuries in 2025 that seemed to never fully heal. It showed in his offensive and defensive output. Hernández has other teams interested in him this offseason, but nothing has materialized as of yet. The Dodgers have called a deal for their corner outfielder unlikely.
Another declination came from first baseman Freddie Freeman, who would like to play for Team Canada. However, has issues with the timing of the tournament. There has been speculation whether or not Freeman is fully healthy, but he has declined to elaborate further.
Year-Round Sport?
The Dodgers have played a lot of baseball the last two years, and it appears some can’t get enough of it.
Main Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
