Bold claim: sometimes doing less can unleash more power. That’s the mindset Japan is embracing as the defending champions head into the 2026 World Baseball Classic, with Shohei Ohtani emphasizing a “less is more” approach. Speaking just before the tournament kicked off, the two-way superstar told a full-house press conference at Tokyo Dome that while practice remains valuable, there are times when stepping back is the wiser move, especially as spring training peaks and players juggle form.
“I think players enjoy practicing in general, and if you feel capable, there’s no reason not to,” said the reigning Classic MVP. But he added a practical caveat: in spring, most players aren’t at 100 percent and sustaining peak hitting is challenging, so choosing to rest or sit out can be a strategic decision. Still, he stressed that the choice belongs to each player, noting that Japan’s roster is composed of seasoned professionals who understand their roles and responsibilities. He praised the group as cohesive and highly capable.
Ohtani will start this edition of the WBC in Japan for the second year in a row. Last year, he helped kick off the MLB season with a Tokyo Series showdown between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs. Three years earlier, he powered Japan to its third WBC title, famously striking out a former teammate, Mike Trout, for the final out—one of the defining moments of his career and of the event itself.
For 2026, Ohtani has opted not to pitch, following consultations with Dodgers leadership. In Japan’s Pool C opener against Chinese Taipei, Dodgers ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto will be the one taking the mound.
The memory of Chinese Taipei halting Japan’s 27-game winning streak at Premier12, two years prior, underscored how this Japan squad—now bolstered with several players making their international debuts—presents a different challenge. Yamamoto acknowledged the difficulty of opening games but expressed confidence in the team’s ability to deliver. “The first game is always tough, but I’ve been trusted to start, and I aim to come through for the team,” he said. The goal remains clear: back-to-back titles.
Ohtani, at 31, faces the dual task of delivering with the bat while guiding a younger generation that’s increasingly stepping into the global spotlight. He reflected on the balance between experience and youth, noting that while he sometimes feels older next to the energetic newcomers, the mix is exactly what makes the squad strong. He cautioned that every opponent is formidable and that there are few easy games, with teams often scoring first and forcing comebacks. Even so, he remains focused on doing his part offensively, believing that strong individual contributions will translate into a successful run for Japan.
For fans looking ahead, this edition promises a blend of veteran leadership and fresh talent, all under the banner of a nation determined to defend its title. Will Japan’s strategic rest-and-rotate approach pay off, or will the grind of a loaded field expose its limits? Share your thoughts below: do you think resting stars in the early stages helps or hurts, and which players could be the X-factors for Japan this year?
