Japan makes big change immediately after shocking WBC loss

Team Japan was widely considered among the favorites to win the 2026 World Baseball Classic after defeating Team USA for the tournament championship in 2023. Armed with the reigning National League MVP (Shohei Ohtani) and starting the reigning World Series MVP (Yoshinobu Yamamoto) in the quarterfinals against Venezuela,
Yonhap News Agency on MSN

WBC manager for defending champion Japan implores players to be aggressive

Hours before the start of Japan's title defense at the World Baseball Classic (WBC) on home soil Friday, manager Hirokazu Ibata stressed the importance of being aggressive from the get-go. "Now it's finally here.
The Mirror US on MSN

Shohei Ohtani quickly decides Japan future as he lays blame for WBC failure

A frustrated Shohei Ohtani has reiterated he wants to continue playing for Japan following their disastrous World Baseball Classic quarterfinal defeat to Venezuela

2026 World Baseball Classic managers: Albert Pujols, Yadier Molina among those on bench

Here's a look at who will be on the benches for the WBC. Mark DeRosa returns for Team USA, while Hirokazu Ibata replaces Hideki Kuriyama for Japan.

Hirokazu Ibata resigns as Japan baseball manager following WBC elimination

Hirokazu Ibata resigns as Japan's national baseball manager after the team's quarterfinal exit from the World Baseball Classic, expressing hope for future growth.