Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts finds it challenging to decide on allowing Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Aki Sasaki to play in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) after the grueling World Series, which extended into November. Roberts is uncertain if there will be any restrictions on the participation of these Japanese stars.
Ohtani, who had elbow surgery in September 2023 and returned to pitching in June, played a crucial role in helping the clinch their first World Series title in 25 years by defeating Toronto in Game 7. Roberts expressed hope to find a balance between giving these players opportunities and managing their physical limits, especially considering Yamamoto is being prepared with a view toward 2026. However, clarity on these decisions is still lacking.
In 14 shortened starts this season, Ohtani posted an impressive batting average of .282, hitting 55 home runs, 102 RBIs, and stealing 20 bases, alongside a pitching record of 1-1 with a 2.87 ERA. He also earned his fourth consecutive MVP award unanimously. During the postseason, he contributed eight home runs and 14 RBIs across 17 games, with a 2-1 record and a 4.43 ERA in four starts.
Roberts is unsure if Ohtani will pitch for Japan in the upcoming WBC, which begins March 5—nine days before the ’ season opener—and ends March 17. While Roberts hopes Ohtani won’t pitch, he believes Ohtani is likely to participate as a hitter, given his careful awareness of his body’s condition.
Ohtani earned MVP honors in the 2023 WBC finals when Japan narrowly defeated the United States 3-2, striking out former Angels teammate Mike Trout. The tournament enforces pitch limits with mandatory rest days. In the semifinals against Mexico, Sasaki started, Yamamoto relieved, and Ohtani ignited a ninth-inning rally with a double.
Roberts acknowledged the importance of representing one’s country but stressed that the ’ organization will weigh the individual players’ roles and the associated risks carefully. Yamamoto, who signed a $325 million 12-year contract in December 2023, pitched a total of 211 innings this season despite a triceps injury that limited him to 90 innings in his debut year. Sasaki, who missed much of the season due to a shoulder issue, served as the postseason closer.
The plan to include Ohtani regularly in their starting rotation next year, but Roberts indicated the rotation might not be traditional. Instead of a standard five-man setup, Ohtani could receive extended rest of six to eight days between starts to help maintain his strength.
Following the ‘ recent championship, Roberts expressed support for introducing a salary cap in MLB—a move some executives are pushing for in the upcoming collective bargaining talks. He indicated that spending controls should apply across all teams, not just the elite ones. The are projected to have a record $509.5 million payroll and luxury tax this year, with the Mets expected to be second at $428.8 million.
Roberts emphasized that the will adapt to whatever new rules are implemented and is confident in the organization’s ability to manage those changes.
Fan Take: This update on Ohtani and the ’ Japanese players matters because it highlights the ongoing balancing act between player health and international competition, a key concern for baseball’s future. The decisions made here could reshape how MLB manages player participation in global events while maintaining competitive integrity and player longevity.
