Observable data points shared across all narratives
Shohei Ohtani has returned to Japan to headline the national team’s World Baseball Classic title defense, starting as a pitcher in an exhibition game against the Orix Buffaloes. Japan has finalized and assembled all 30 players as it prepares to defend its WBC crown, while Team USA aims for a first title since 2017. A new Netflix deal for WBC coverage in Japan is changing how fans at home watch the tournament and follow Ohtani’s games.