Shohei Ohtani Set to Lead Team Japan in WBC, While Mookie Betts Bows Out for Family Reasons
As the countdown to the 2026 MLB season continues, all eyes are shifting toward the World Baseball Classic-an international showcase that’s become one of the sport’s most electric stages. And with just under 100 days until Opening Day, the tournament is already shaping up to be a heavyweight clash of baseball’s best.
The Los Angeles Dodgers, fresh off back-to-back World Series titles, will be well-represented in the WBC. Headlining the list is none other than Shohei Ohtani, the four-time MVP who’s once again suiting up for Team Japan.
Ohtani was instrumental in Japan’s WBC title run last time around, and now he’s back to defend the crown. Given his two-way dominance and postseason pedigree, there’s no question Japan will be leaning heavily on their superstar to lead the charge.
But while Ohtani’s gearing up for another international run, his Dodgers teammate Mookie Betts will be watching from home-and for a very good reason.
Betts confirmed during a livestream appearance on the Aiden Ross podcast that he won’t be participating in the 2026 WBC. The reason? Family first.
“No, man, so I was, but I can’t now,” Betts said when asked about his WBC plans. “My wife, we’re having a kid. So, the baby’s due right in the middle of the WBC… She said she would divorce me if I wasn’t there.”
Betts played a key role for Team USA in the 2023 tournament, holding down second base while the infield was anchored by then-Dodgers shortstop Trea Turner. The Dodgers had been looking to get Betts more reps in the infield, and the WBC gave him a high-leverage opportunity to do just that. His absence this time around leaves a noticeable void in Team USA’s lineup and leadership.
That said, the Americans aren’t exactly short on firepower. With Betts out, Bobby Witt Jr. is the likely candidate to take over at shortstop.
Witt brings elite athleticism and a rising star profile that should fit nicely into the lineup. In the outfield, Team USA will still roll out a stacked trio featuring Pete Crow-Armstrong, Corbin Carroll, and team captain Aaron Judge.
That’s a blend of speed, power, and defense that few teams in the tournament can match.
Where Team USA might make its biggest leap this year is on the mound. For the first time in WBC history, the U.S. rotation could be a true difference-maker.
Cy Young winners Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes are both set to join the staff, giving the Americans a legitimate one-two punch that can go toe-to-toe with anyone. Add in a deep bullpen and a veteran presence like Judge leading the clubhouse, and this version of Team USA might just be the most complete we’ve seen.
So while Betts will be on dad duty instead of patrolling the infield, the WBC still promises to deliver a star-studded spectacle. With Ohtani chasing another title for Japan and the U.S. reloading with a new wave of talent, the stage is set for another unforgettable tournament.