Los Angeles Angels pitcher and champion Shoi Ohtani has announced his intention to play for Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic.
Shuhei Ohtani had another great season with the Los Angeles Angels. 500 and 13 games out of the postseason spot, Ohtani shone both at the batter’s box and on the mound as a pitcher. That’s why he was a finalist for the AL MVP Award, where he faced New York Yankees quarterback Aaron Judge.
Hours before the 2022 AL Championship MVP was announced, Ohtani has taken to Instagram To announce his intention to play for Team Japan in the 2023 World Baseball Classic next March.
Shohei Ohtani announces his intention to play for Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic
Ohtani wrote, “Thank you to all the fans who have supported me this year.” “I appreciate that and I’m excited about what happens next.
“Also, I have officially informed the Japan team manager Mr. Kuriyama that I would like to participate in the WBC next year.
“I am looking forward to the opportunity to face the best players around the world and be able to play in front of Japanese fans for the first time in over 5 years!!”
Japan will play in Pool B at the World Baseball Classic in Tokyo from March 9-13, along with Korea, Australia, China and the Czech Republic. The winner and runner-up will advance to the second round along with the Group A winner and runner-up. The winner of Group A will face the runner-up of Group B, while the winner of Group B will face the runner-up of Group A. Whoever wins their matches will advance to the semi-finals.
Team Japan is looking to win its third World Baseball Classic title after winning its first two events in 2006 and 2009.
As a hitter, Ohtani posted a . 273 batting average, . 356 on base, . 519 hits, . 519 hits, 95 RBI, and 160 hits in 157 games. As a pitcher, Ohtani posted a 2.33 ERA, 1.012 WHIP, 15-9 loss record, 219 strikeouts and 44 walks over 166.0 innings pitched. Otani led the league with a percentage of 11.9 strikeouts per nine innings pitched.
Otani finished second in AL MVP voting behind Judge, Obtaining 2 first-place votes and 28 second-place votes For a total of 280 points.
Japan is seeking its third WBC title, and Otani wants to be part of the team.
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