NPB Stars Begin Preparations for Korea–Japan Warm-Up, Eyeing WBC Roster Spots
NAGOYA, JAPAN - October 20, 2025 - Top pitchers from Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) have begun intensive training ahead of next month’s warm-up matches against Korea, with many viewing the series as a crucial audition for a spot on the national team for the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC).
Chunichi Dragons closer Shinya Matsuyama held his first bullpen session since the end of the season today at Nagoya’s home stadium, focusing on adjustments for the upcoming international competition. He threw 22 pitches using a Rawlings ball, the same ball slated for use in the warm-up games, and noted, “I felt very slippery when I threw a forkball.”
Matsuyama, a right-hander who reaches speeds of up to 157 kilometers per hour, finished the season with 46 saves, tying Yomiuri Giants pitcher Martinez for the Central League lead.
Seibu Lions left-hander Chihiro Sumida also participated in training, throwing 55 pitches with the Rawlings official ball. Sumida expressed his desire to make the WBC roster, stating, “My weapon seems to be the fact that it is indeed a left-hander who can strike out. I wont to appeal through this warm-up match as I think the acceptance of the WBC is still undecided.”
The warm-up matches are drawing significant attention as nearly all of NPB’s top players are expected to participate, including potential Major League Baseball (MLB) prospects Murakami Munetaka and Okamoto Kazuma. The exception will be active major leaguers, such as Shohei Ohtani.
Japan won the WBC in 2023, defeating the united States in the final, and aims to defend its title. Selection for the national team is considered a significant honor, offering players the prospect to compete alongside Ohtani and gain exposure to MLB scouts.
Matsuyama,considered a contender for the national team’s closing pitcher role alongside Yomiuri Giants’ Daisei Ota,stated,”I want to block it well and aim for it,” expressing his enthusiasm for the possibility.
The upcoming Korea-Japan series is creating a “strained atmosphere” for the Korean national team, led by Ryu Ji-hyun, as they prepare to face a lineup representing the best of NPB.
