With the “2026 WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC™” set to open in March 2026, Samurai Japan’s projected 30-player roster is now complete. Following the 29 players announced as of January 26, the final slot was confirmed on February 4 as Masataka Yoshida (Boston Red Sox). The defending champions’ outline is now finally in full view.
In addition, the official site has also finalized details for the 14 support members traveling with the “Ragusas Samurai Japan Series 2026 (Miyazaki & Nagoya)”, the exhibition games at Kyocera Dome Osaka, and the Pool Round schedule at Tokyo Dome. This article organizes the latest information.
The final spot goes to Masataka Yoshida — expected to be a “connector” and chance creator in the lineup
According to the official Samurai Japan release, following the 29 players announced on January 26, outfielder Masataka Yoshida (Red Sox) was selected as the remaining one. His jersey number is 34. A proven “international-tournament bat” from the Tokyo Olympics and the 2023 WBC will once again wear the Japan uniform.
In his comment,
“I will truly savor the joy of fighting together with this best team and the best staff and players, and I will fulfill my role for Samurai Japan’s victory.”
he emphasized a mindset focused on the roles of “connecting” and “driving in”. With power bats such as Munetaka Murakami, Kazuma Okamoto, and Seiya Suzuki already in place, Yoshida’s on-base ability and elite contact skills could further improve the balance of the lineup.
Projected 30-man Samurai Japan roster by position
With this additional announcement, Samurai Japan’s projected WBC roster becomes a total of 30 players: 15 pitchers, 3 catchers, 7 infielders, and 5 outfielders. In other words, Masataka Yoshida was added as an outfielder to the 29-player list announced on January 26.
| Position | No. | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pitcher | 1 | Yuki Matsui | San Diego Padres |
| Pitcher | 13 | Hiromasa Miyagi | Orix Buffaloes |
| Pitcher | 14 | Daiki Ito | Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters |
| Pitcher | 15 | Taisei | Yomiuri Giants |
| Pitcher | 16 | Shohei Ohtani | Los Angeles Dodgers |
| Pitcher | 17 | Yusei Kikuchi | Los Angeles Angels |
| Pitcher | 18 | Yoshinobu Yamamoto | Los Angeles Dodgers |
| Pitcher | 19 | Tomoyuki Sugano | Baltimore Orioles |
| Pitcher | 26 | Atsuki Taneichi | Chiba Lotte Marines |
| Pitcher | 28 | Hiroto Takahashi | Chunichi Dragons |
| Pitcher | 47 | Ryuhei Soya | Orix Buffaloes |
| Pitcher | 57 | Koki Kitayama | Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters |
| Pitcher | 61 | Kaima Taira | Saitama Seibu Lions |
| Pitcher | 66 | Yuki Matsumoto | Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks |
| Pitcher | 69 | Daichi Ishii | Hanshin Tigers |
| Catcher | 4 | Kenya Wakatsuki | Orix Buffaloes |
| Catcher | 12 | Seishiro Sakamoto | Hanshin Tigers |
| Catcher | 27 | Yuhei Nakamura | Tokyo Yakult Swallows |
| Infielder | 2 | Shugo Maki | Yokohama DeNA BayStars |
| Infielder | 3 | Kaito Kozono | Hiroshima Toyo Carp |
| Infielder | 5 | Taisei Makihara | Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks |
| Infielder | 6 | Sosuke Genda | Saitama Seibu Lions |
| Infielder | 7 | Teruaki Sato | Hanshin Tigers |
| Infielder | 25 | Kazuma Okamoto | Toronto Blue Jays |
| Infielder | 55 | Munetaka Murakami | Chicago White Sox |
| Outfielder | 8 | Kensuke Kondo | Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks |
| Outfielder | 20 | Ukyo Shuto | Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks |
| Outfielder | 23 | Shota Morishita | Hanshin Tigers |
| Outfielder | 51 | Seiya Suzuki | Chicago Cubs |
| Outfielder | 34 | Masataka Yoshida | Boston Red Sox |
※The list above reflects the official Samurai Japan announcement for position, jersey number, and team affiliation. The official tournament roster is scheduled to be announced by WBCI on February 6 (Japan time).
Support members (14) and a summary of the Miyazaki/Nagoya series & Kyocera tune-up games
Before the tournament, the schedule includes the “Ragusas Samurai Japan Series 2026 (Miyazaki & Nagoya)” as well as tune-up games at Kyocera Dome Osaka. The 14 support members for those events have also been announced. It’s a valuable chance to check next-generation candidates wearing the Samurai Japan uniform.
Support members list (as of the Feb. 3, 2026 announcement)
| Assignment | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Miyazaki | Keisuke Nakata | Saitama Seibu Lions |
| Miyazaki | Ryota Itokawa | Saitama Seibu Lions |
| Miyazaki | Katsuumi Ishigaki | Chiba Lotte Marines |
| Miyazaki | Ryunosuke Sato | Hiroshima Toyo Carp |
| Miyazaki | Daiki Masuda | Yomiuri Giants |
| Miyazaki & Nagoya | Reito Nakayama | Yomiuri Giants |
| Nagoya | Tomichiro Sumida | Saitama Seibu Lions |
| Nagoya | Kengo Matsumoto | Tokyo Yakult Swallows |
| Nagoya | Taiki Ishigami | Yokohama DeNA BayStars |
| Nagoya | Tai Sasaki | Hiroshima Toyo Carp |
| Nagoya | Shio Nishikawa | Chiba Lotte Marines |
| Osaka | Reia Nakachi | Chunichi Dragons |
| Osaka | Akira Neo | Chunichi Dragons |
| Osaka | Yumeto Kanemaru | Chunichi Dragons |
Because it’s a rare chance to see these players in the Samurai Japan uniform, it can be fun to track them as potential future full-team selections.
Training camp & exhibition games / Pool Round schedule
| Date | Matchup | Event | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 14–24 | Samurai Japan joint practice | Pre-tournament camp | Hinata Sun Marine Stadium Miyazaki, etc. |
| Feb 22 (Sun) 13:00 | Samurai Japan vs Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks | Ragusas Samurai Japan Series 2026 (Miyazaki) | Hinata Sun Marine Stadium Miyazaki |
| Feb 23 (Mon/Holiday) 14:00 | Samurai Japan vs Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks | Ragusas Samurai Japan Series 2026 (Miyazaki) | Hinata Sun Marine Stadium Miyazaki |
| Feb 27 (Fri) 19:00 | Samurai Japan vs Chunichi Dragons | Ragusas Samurai Japan Series 2026 (Nagoya) | Vantelin Dome Nagoya |
| Feb 28 (Sat) 19:00 | Samurai Japan vs Chunichi Dragons | Ragusas Samurai Japan Series 2026 (Nagoya) | Vantelin Dome Nagoya |
| Mar 2 (Mon) 19:00 | Orix Buffaloes vs Japan | WBC Tokyo Pool tune-up game | Kyocera Dome Osaka |
| Mar 3 (Tue) 19:00 | Hanshin Tigers vs Japan | WBC Tokyo Pool tune-up game | Kyocera Dome Osaka |
| Mar 6 (Fri) 19:00 | Chinese Taipei vs Japan | WBC Tokyo Pool — Pool Round | Tokyo Dome |
| Mar 7 (Sat) 19:00 | Japan vs Korea | WBC Tokyo Pool — Pool Round | Tokyo Dome |
| Mar 8 (Sun) 19:00 | Japan vs Australia | WBC Tokyo Pool — Pool Round | Tokyo Dome |
| Mar 10 (Tue) 19:00 | Japan vs Czechia | WBC Tokyo Pool — Pool Round | Tokyo Dome |
From there, the path continues to the quarterfinals on March 14–15, semifinals on March 16–17, and the final on March 18. Japan will first aim to advance from the Tokyo Dome pool round, then pursue a repeat title in the Miami knockout stage.
Reports also suggest Shohei Ohtani may “focus on hitting”
Meanwhile, although Shohei Ohtani is listed as a pitcher on the roster, MLB media reports suggest he is expected not to pitch at the WBC and instead focus on hitting. It is said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts mentioned that direction at an event, and that contract value and insurance matters are also involved.
However, this is based on MLB-side reporting, and Samurai Japan has not officially stated “no pitching usage”. His final usage will depend on official announcements, condition, and discussions with his club.
Check official X & YouTube for the press conference and the “final spot” atmosphere
Yoshida’s selection and the roster announcement can also be confirmed via Samurai Japan’s official X and official YouTube channel. Seeing not only the roster list but also manager Hirokazu Ibata’s and players’ expressions and words may change how you watch the camp and exhibitions.
Summary: The roster is complete — next is the final check in “Miyazaki & Nagoya” and “Kyocera”
Samurai Japan’s projected 30-man WBC roster is now complete. From here, the process moves through:
- Pre-tournament camp in Miyazaki and two games vs the Hawks
- Two games vs the Dragons in Nagoya
- Tune-up games vs Orix and Hanshin at Kyocera Dome Osaka
- Four Pool Round games at Tokyo Dome
—a schedule that will determine the final “last gains” and a near-selection “survival” for roles heading into the tournament. Alongside your favorite club’s stars, keep an eye on the young support members as part of the lead-up to the WBC.
All roster and schedule information in this article is based on the Samurai Japan official site and official WBC-related information, and may be updated due to additional announcements or changes. Please also check official sites and official social updates for the latest information.
