WS 2nd consecutive defeat → Ohtani's long-awaited performance for 2nd consecutive WBC loss, taking only 123 days off, and pitching and hitting are burdensome, but pitching will be limited LAT

Nov 26, 2025

WS 2nd consecutive defeat → Ohtani's long-awaited performance for 2nd consecutive WBC loss, taking only 123 days off, and pitching and hitting are burdensome, but pitching will be limited LAT
Tani Shohei warms up ahead of the first round match in March 2023. AP Yonhap News



LA Dodgers Shohei Ohtani announced on his Instagram on the 25th (Korea time) that he will participate in the 6th World Baseball Classic (WBC) in March next year.

Without any conditions, "I'm happy to play for Japan again." After Game 7 of the World Series on the 2nd, he will take only 123 days off and play against Taiwan on March 6, the first game of the first round of the WBC next year. It's about four months of offseason, but I don't know if I can rest properly considering various personal schedules such as World Series victory ceremony, Dodgers spring training participation, Japanese national team call-up, and commercial shooting.

Considering his desire to win and his addiction to winning the championship, there is no time to be tired.




Ohtani, who is expected to take over as captain of the Japanese national team, is aiming for his second consecutive World Series title and second consecutive WBC title. He led Japan to its third victory in the tournament with a superstar performance in the 5th WBC in 2023.

In seven games as a batter, he pitched a batting average of 0.435 (10 hits in 23 at-bats), one home run, eight RBIs, nine runs, OPS 1.345 and pitched nine ⅔ innings as a pitcher, winning two, saving one and posting a 1.86 ERA, respectively, to become MVP of the tournament. In particular, the final against the U.S. took the mound at the end of the ninth inning, putting Mike Trout to rest with a swing and miss strikeout and securing the championship, creating a historical scene.

However, it remains to be seen whether he will also play as a pitcher again this time. Since the off-season break is not done properly, it is necessary to limit pitching in order to prepare for next year's Major League regular season.




WS 2nd consecutive defeat → Ohtani's long-awaited performance for 2nd consecutive WBC loss, taking only 123 days off, and pitching and hitting are burdensome, but pitching will be limited LAT
Shohei Ohtani hitting a double against WBC Korea in 2023. Sports Chosun DB
In this regard, the Los Angeles Times (LAT) reported on the day that `Otani played with a lot of pressure as a pitching and hitting in the process of winning the World Series, so the time to take the mound may be limited in the WBC.'

Ohtani returned as a pitcher in June, two years after undergoing elbow surgery, and worked as a pitcher for the first time since moving to the Dodgers. As a pitcher, he pitched 47 innings in 14 games in the regular season with a 2.87 ERA and 62 strikeouts. In the postseason, he gave up 16 hits in 20 ⅓ innings in four games, struck out 28 and marked 2-1 with a 4.43 ERA. In particular, in Game 4 of the NLCS against the Milwaukee Brewers, he became a winning pitcher with two hits and 10 strikeouts in six innings as a starter, and as a batter, he hit three home runs and took the lead in a 5-1 victory.

Since he pitched 67 ⅓ innings in 18 games, including the regular season and postseason, it is true that he needs enough rest this off-season.




However, it does not mean that he can afford to be a batter. Last year and this year's regular season, he played 159 games-731 at-bats and 158 games-727 at-bats, respectively. Just because you are a designated hitter who does not defend doesn't mean that your physical burden is light.

Ohtani is expected to leave the Dodgers' spring training camp in Arizona, the U.S., at least five days before the opening of next year's tournament, and cross the Pacific Ocean to respond to the call-up of the Japanese national team. In the end, it seems highly likely that he will not take the mound as a pitcher or will only take the mound in one or two games after the second round.

WS 2nd consecutive defeat → Ohtani's long-awaited performance for 2nd consecutive WBC loss, taking only 123 days off, and pitching and hitting are burdensome, but pitching will be limited LAT
Shohei Otani started the NLCS Game 4 against the Milwaukee Brewers on October 18 (Korea Standard Time) and pitches vigorously. AFP Yonhap News
Ohtani, who completely succeeded in rehabilitation and revival after undergoing Tommy John Surgery on his right elbow in September 2023 when he was with the Los Angeles Angels, has to play a full-time rotation next year. However, from the perspective of the Japanese national team, Ohtani, who regained his ace form by recovering his 100-mile fastball, cannot be saved. Throwing a semi-final or final could be considered.

Ohtani's goal in this WBC is to win. Another history will be set if Ohtani, who won the regular season MVP for the second consecutive year and the World Series for the second consecutive year since moving to the Dodgers in December 2023, succeeds in winning the WBC for two consecutive years.

To date, Ohtani is the only player who has two World Series championship rings and one WBC championship trophy.





This article was translated by Naver AI translator.