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Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani commented on facing teammate Hyeseong Kim in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
Team Korea and Team Japan both play in Pool C, meaning they’re sure to face each other at least once during the tournament. Their match comes Saturday at 2:00 a.m. PT.
“Hyeseong Kim is a truly excellent player in character, so I always enjoy being around him,” Ohtani said. “If we face each other, it will be a good opportunity for both of us.”
Kim shared the same excitement as Ohtani when asked about facing the MVP as well as Yoshinobu Yamamoto in the WBC.
“I’m definitely looking forward to it,” Kim said. “I haven’t played a ton against Team Japan with Team Korea, so I want to make sure I get to play against them this WBC. I just want to prepare the right way. It’s an important game.”
The teams last met in the 2023 WBC, and Japan dominated the contest. They took a 13-4 win, and Ohtani went 2-3 with two runs and an RBI, though Yamamoto didn’t feature.
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Sep 25, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) (right) and infielder Hyeseong Kim (6) (left) celebrate in the locker after winning the National League West championship follow a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images
Are Japan the WBC Favorites?
Japan are the current holders of the WBC title, but they’re not the favorites heading into the tournament.
Team USA will begin the tournament as the favorite, currently sitting at -110 odds to win the whole thing, per ESPN. The same ranking lists Japan at +350, and the Dominican Republic at +400.
They still have a fantastic team, though, as Ohtani and Yamamoto headline a team stacked with MLB talent. On top of those two, they have MLB newcomers Kazuma Okamoto and Munetaka Murakami, as well as established MLB players like All-Stars Yusei Kikuchi and Seiya Suzuki.
Japan’s first game of the tournament comes against Chinese Taipei on Friday, followed by their game against South Korea early on Saturday. Their final two games of the group stages come against Australia and Czechia. With this favorable group, they’ll look to gather some momentum and blow through the knockout stages to secure their second consecutive World Baseball Classic title.
Who is your pick to win the 2026 World Baseball Classic?
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