Dodgers President Discusses Allowing Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto to Participate in the Classic, Balancing Players and Team Considerations

In the same interview on the "Dodgers Territory" podcast, Andrew Friedman expressed mixed feelings regarding the Dodgers’ star players Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto being selected for Japan’s national team to play in the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC). He stated, "As a fan who wants baseball to keep growing, supporting the Classic is easy. But from a team management perspective, it’s definitely challenging."

Friedman referenced the thrilling showdown between Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout in the 2023 Classic final as an example of how such moments help promote baseball. He also said, "I have to put my personal feelings aside and fully understand the strong pride players feel representing their countries."

Besides Ohtani and Yamamoto, the Dodgers expect catcher Will Smith, pitcher Edwin Díaz, and infielder Kim Hye-seong to participate as well. Friedman acknowledged that to pursue a third consecutive World Series title, the team must adjust its plans due to the Classic. "Our goal is to compete through October, and we are currently planning training for February and March. We have communicated with all players and ultimately decided to support them out of respect for their personal choices."