Baseball: Japan manager Ibata sees MLB-centered WBC team in 2026

Manager Hirokazu Ibata is expecting Japan’s Major League Baseball contingent to form his team’s backbone when Samurai Japan goes in pursuit of its fourth World Baseball Classic championship in March 2026. “I’ve talked to a number of the (MLB) players this offseason, and I am grateful that they have expressed their intent to take part,” the 49-year-old skipper said recently. “I have high expectations for them, and I believe their participation has a good influence on the domestically based players.” Ibata said he is eager to have not only the 2023 WBC’s MVP, Shohei Ohtani, but also Chicago Cubs…

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