WBC 2026: Manager Ibata Resigns, Ohtani's Emotional Instagram — Japan's Post-Tournament Fallout
One week after the WBC 2026 concluded, the shockwaves from Samurai Japan's Quarterfinal exit continue. Manager Hirokazu Ibata has officially resigned, and Shohei Ohtani posted a heartfelt message on Instagram. Japan's baseball world is now focused on selecting the next manager, with names like Hideki Matsui, Hideki Kuriyama, and Kimiyasu Kudo in the conversation.