Kikuchi, Matsui among 7 pitchers added to Japan's Classic roster

As Samurai Japan gears up to defend its World Baseball Classic title, its roster is beginning to take shape.

While superstar Shohei Ohtani had previously announced his intent to play for the tournament's reigning champs, seven other players were named by Samurai Japan manager Hirokazu Ibata on Friday in Tokyo, according to reports.

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Joining Ohtani will be MLB pitchers Yusei Kikuchi of the Angels, who will be making his WBC debut, and Yuki Matsui of the Padres. Ibata also listed five other players, all pitchers: Hiromi Ito (Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters), Kaima Taira (Seibu Lions), Atsuki Taneichi (Chiba Lotte Marines), Taisei Ota (Yomiuri Giants) and Daichi Ishii (Hanshin Tigers).

One of the biggest questions, of course, is whether Ohtani will be joining any of those players on the mound. It remains to be seen whether he will be used as a pitcher in the World Baseball Classic, though Dodgers manager Dave Roberts hinted earlier this month at the Winter Meetings that Ohtani may be used exclusively as a hitter.

"I'm hoping he doesn't [pitch]. But I don't know," Roberts said. "He's very in tune with his body, but I would say probably the thought is he's probably just going to hit."

Ohtani was named the MVP of the 2023 Classic after hitting .435 with a 1.345 OPS and going 2-0 with a 1.86 ERA on the mound. He also closed out the title game against Team USA by striking out then-teammate Mike Trout to seal Japan's victory.

Samurai Japan's roster will continue to come into focus over the next few weeks ahead of the 2026 World Baseball Classic.