Former Los Angeles Dodgers star Eric Gagne has made a public plea for the team's three Japanese pitching aces to represent their country in the upcoming 2026 World Baseball Classic. This call comes despite the trio's gruelling journey to back-to-back World Series championships in 2024 and 2025.
Gagne's Passionate Pitch for Global Baseball
Speaking in Los Angeles on Wednesday, Gagne acknowledged the immense stress on the arms of Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki after their long season culminated in a playoff run that finished in October 2025. However, he firmly believes the sport's premier global event needs its biggest stars. "Baseball needs it. It is fun for fans. It is fun for everyone," Gagne stated, emphasizing that the WBC is the stage where the whole world watches and fans revel in seeing elite players compete for national pride.
Gagne, who came out of retirement to play for Canada in the 2017 WBC, called the experience "the best baseball experience" because it felt like a genuine world event. He is convinced Ohtani, Yamamoto, and Sasaki would share that profound feeling if they suit up for Team Japan next spring.
Why the Dodgers' Trio is Indispensable for Japan
Gagne's insistence is rooted in the monumental roles all three pitchers played in the Dodgers' recent dynasty. Shohei Ohtani, after joining LA as a free agent in 2024, resumed his two-way dominance by returning to the mound for crucial postseason starts in 2025. Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivered a spectacular playoff performance, capped by earning the MVP award for the 2025 World Series following a stellar showing in Texas in late October.
Even Roki Sasaki, who faced early-season control issues and moved to the bullpen in June 2025, proved vital by helping the Dodgers secure tight games on their championship path. Gagne argues that the WBC transcends mere talent; it's about pride. Fans, he says, want to see Japan field the very pitchers who defined the baseball narrative this past season.
Balancing Risk with the Love of the Game
Addressing the inevitable concerns about injury risk so soon after an exhaustive season, Gagne offered a veteran's perspective. "There is risk every time you step on the field. The game is bigger than the risk," he asserted. His view underscores a philosophy where the significance of representing one's country on an international platform outweighs the inherent dangers of the sport.
The baseball world now waits with bated breath. Japan's first pool game in the 2026 World Baseball Classic is scheduled for March 6, just one day after the tournament kicks off on March 5. Coaches, teammates, and fans across the globe are eager to see if the Dodgers' celebrated trio will answer the call and take the mound for Japan, following their demanding run just months prior.
