Most of the signings for the WBC have involved American players from MLB who are joining the US roster, but Japan will field a strong roster as well.
The biggest name was multi-positional superstar Shohei Ohtani, of course, who had previously announced his intent to play for the tournament’s reigning champion, according to Paul Casella of MLB.com, but Los Angeles Angels starter Yusei Kikuchi will also be part of Japans’ effort to defend its title.
Samurai Japan manager Hirokazu Ibata also announced the signing of multiple other players, all pitchers. They included Yuki Matsui of the San Diego Padres, Hiromi Ito (Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters), Kaima Taira (Seibu Lions), Atsuki Taneichi (Chiba Lotte Marines), Taisei Ota (Yomiuri Giants) and Daichi Ishii (Hanshin Tigers).
The big question going forward, of course, is whether Ohtani will pitch or appear as a hitter. Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts hinted earlier in December that Ohtani will be used exclusively as a hitter, but whether that intent holds up under competition isa very different question.
"I'm hoping he doesn't [pitch]. But I don't know," Roberts said. "He's very in tune with his body, but I would say probably the thought is he's probably just going to hit."
Ohtani led Japan to victory in 2023, when he was named the MVP of the WBC. He hit .435 with a 1.345 OPS and going 2-0 with a 1.86 ERA on the mound. He also closed out the title game against Team USA by striking out then-teammate Mike Trout to seal Japan's victory.
Kikuchi represents a solid addition to the roster and the rotation given that he has MLB experience, and the Angels have big plans for him as well. They’ve hired a new manager, Kurt Suzuki, who is expecting Kikuchi to anchor the Angels staff, which is still a work in progress with trades and signings currently still being made.
Kikuchi had a decent season for the Halos, but it could have been better, especially the second half. He feuded openly with interim manager Ray Montgomery during the last couple of months of the season, and Kikuchi also went public with his claims about the Angels subpar facilities, the weight room specifically.
He’s looking forward to working with Suzuki, and Kikuchi is one of several Angels pitchers who could benefit from working closely with new Angels pitching coach Mike Maddux, who was signed early this offseason from the Texas Rangers.