Shohei Ohtani met with the media today after a short workout and was asked about the upcoming WBC. One situation in particular was about his former Angels teammate, Mike Trout, who along with Ohtani had one of those my iconic moments in WBC history.
Given that they were teammates for 6 years and have arguably been the best player in baseball at any given time, this moment was something all baseball fans were hoping for in 2023.
The scene was set in the 9th inning of the 2023 World Baseball Classic game where Japan held a one-run lead. Ohtani came in relief and Mike Trout stepped into the batter’s box.
Three strikes later, Ohtani struck him out to lock in another WBC Championship for Japan.
But this time, thing will look at little bit different.
What Shohei Ohtani Said About a Potential Mike Trout Showdown
Dodgers Nation reported from Dodgerfest that Ohtani and the Dodgers have agreed that he will not pitch in the upcoming 2026 World Baseball Classic to help preserve his arm and give him the opportunity to enter the 2026 Dodgers season 100% healthy for the first time during his contract with the Dodgers.
Still, when asked about the hypothetical late-game scenario involving Trout, Ohtani didn’t completely shut the door on the opportunity.
“Yeah, if Trout is coming up at the end, I might go in.”
It wasn’t an official declaration.
It wasn’t a promise.
It’s just typical Shohei Ohtani teasing the media a bit in a calm, competitive and completely aware of the situation.
Why this Matters for the Dodgers
The Dodgers are coming off back to back world series championship runs with trips to Seoul, Korea, Tokyo, Japan and gruelling 7 game series versus the Toronto Blue Jays. The organization is carefully managing Shohei’s workload because the expectation is to make a deep run into the playoffs again this year.
Pitching in the WBC would be fully of intensity, emotions and high-leverage moments in March, which is a variable the Dodgers would like to control and get ahead of if possible.
Shohei’s comments definitely show the competitiveness that has made him into the true superstar he is today, but with the box of representing his country and the moment he had with Trout, it’s safe to say that a Shohei is showing another quality of his – maturity.
What do you think Shohei should do if Mike Trout comes up to bat again in a one run game in the bottom of the 9th?
