Why isn't Shohei Ohtani playing for Japan in the WBSC Premier12 2024?

Shohei Ohtani isn’t playing for Japan in the WBSC Premier12 2024, and if you‘re an MLB fan hoping for a rare offseason sighting, you’re out of luck.

The Premier12 showcases top-tier baseball talent from around the globe, but none from the Major League Baseball’s 40-man rosters. This absence is no accident. MLB rules restrict active roster players from participating, partly to protect them from the physical toll and risks that come with competitive play during a time meant for rest and recovery.

Unlike the more MLB-friendly World Baseball Classic (WBC), the Premier12 doesn’t get the same level of collaboration from Major League Baseball. Instead, the tournament is led by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC), which means MLB teams don’t have much incentive – or leeway – to release their top stars.

Why major leaguers aren’t on base for Premier12

This timing also collides with a critical period for MLB clubs, as they juggle offseason roster adjustments, contract negotiations, and other front-office moves. With so much at stake financially and physically, it’s no wonder MLB teams are unwilling to send their headliners to the Premier12, even if it means fans miss out on some big names.

For players like Ohtani, who is arguably baseball’s most valuable asset right now – and finalist for MVP – the risks of injury outweigh the reward of representing Japan in this particular tournament.

Who’s stepping up instead of MLB stars?

Without MLB’s top stars, the Premier12 turns into a platform for rising talents and future hopefuls, drawing from Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball, South Korea’s KBO League, and the U.S. Minor Leagues. So, while the big names are staying home, it’s still a showcase of impressive talent.

For younger players, the tournament offers a real chance to make a name for themselves on an international stage and potentially attract attention from scouts and fans alike.