Japan expanded its 2026 World Baseball Classic roster with ten added players, including Dodgers ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Cubs slugger Seiya Suzuki, as part of a near-complete squad.

Returning Japanese stars on the roster include Seiya Suzuki, Yusei Kikuchi, Munetaka Murakami, Kazuma Okamoto, Yuki Matsui, and Tomoyuki Sugano, all connected to MLB clubs.

Yamamoto joined Shohei Ohtani on the WBC squad, as announced by manager Hirokazu Ibata.

Manager Ibata stressed the team's primary objective of winning the championship, regardless of path.

The 2026 WBC kicks off in early March, with the championship scheduled for mid-March, underscoring the quick timeline.

Yamamoto said he trained and adjusted his offseason in Japan to be ready for the WBC after the World Series, despite a shorter offseason.

Lars Nootbaar was unable to attend the squad due to injury.

Historically, Yamamoto played a key role in Japan’s 2023 WBC victory, highlighting past international success.

Ibata labeled Yamamoto Japan’s top pitcher and expressed confidence he can give Japan a chance to win on any mound.

Ohtani is expected to serve as the designated hitter, with his pitching role still undecided ahead of the tournament.

Ohtani’s pitching status had been tentative, remaining unclear about whether he will pitch in WBC games.

Pool play begins March 4, with the championship on March 17 at LoanDepot Park in Miami; Japan’s training camp starts February 14 in Miyazaki, with one roster spot still open.