Nov. 25 (UPI) -- MLB phenom Shohei Ohtani once again will lead Japan at the World Baseball Classic, while attempting to secure a second consecutive championship.
"Thank you to all the fans for another great season," Ohtani wrote Monday on his social media platforms. "I'll train hard and look forward to seeing you all next year. Happy to play and represent Japan again."
Ohtani hit .435 (10 for 23) with four doubles, a home run and an RBI to help Japan win the title while earning 2023 World Baseball Classic MVP honors. He also went 2-0 with a 1.86 ERA in three mound appearances.
Japan went 4-0 in pool play, with 38 runs scored and eight runs allowed, before respective quarterfinal and semifinal wins over Italy and Mexico.
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