On March 5 and 6, 2025, Samurai Japan will face the Netherlands at Kyocera Dome Osaka, marking their first competition of the season. Under the guidance of manager Hirokazu Ibata, who succeeded Hideki Kuriyama, Samurai Japan is set to showcase a squad aimed at preparation for the upcoming 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC).
During a press conference held on March 4, 2025, Ibata emphasized the importance of these exhibition matches as they work to solidify their team for the sixth WBC. He noted, "With only two training matches left this March and another one scheduled for November, these games are great opportunities for us to evaluate performances and identify key players for the WBC."
This roster features 28 players, of whom 20 are being highlighted for their first selection. The excitement around these new talents is palpable, as Ibata remarked, "We have assembled players with speed and the ability to hit for power. I hope we see some new stars emerge during our games."
Miyagi Hiroya, the only returning member from the victorious 2023 WBC team, is set to start as pitcher for the first game, expected to pitch for three innings. Ibata expressed faith in the 23-year-old left-hander to set the rhythm for the team. "If he can establish momentum for us, we can build on it," he said.
Reflecting on prior competitions, Ibata recalled the challenges faced at the 2024 Premier 12, where the team failed to secure consecutive hits against formidable opponents, stating, "Home runs are increasingly becoming indispensable, and I hope we can find players who can provide this kind of growth for the team." He acknowledged the necessity for strong offensive performances to compete effectively.
The Netherlands is regarded as one of Europe’s top competitive baseball nations, having finished strong in past WBC events—reaching the semifinals of both the 2013 and 2017 tournaments. They made headlines for their nail-biting encounters, particularly during the second round against Japan, which resulted in extra innings. Still, following disappointing outcomes at both the 2023 and 2024 WBC tournaments, where they were eliminated early, this series against Samurai Japan serves as prime preparation for their resurgence.
Among the Netherlands' standouts is Didi Gregorius, who has considerable experience at MLB, including playing for the New York Yankees. The 35-year-old remains potent, having achieved 134 home runs throughout his career, including 27 during the 2018 season. His leadership on the field has been underscored by his performance during last year's Premier 12, where he put up impressive statistics, making him one to watch.
Another notable player is Tom de Blok, who, having returned from last year's European championship squad, poses as one of the aces of the Netherlands' pitching lineup. His fastball has been clocked at 150 km/h, and he brings valuable experience from both the Minor and Mexican leagues. Manager Evert Jan 't Hoen laid out clear intentions for this exhibition: "We aim to win against Japan and show our capability to compete with the best countries. This experience will be invaluable for our preparation for the European Championships and the 2026 WBC."
With around 22 out of their 28 players being familiar from past competitions, and many now playing at the Curaçao Neptunus—one of the top leagues, the Netherlands team is positioning itself strategically against Samurai Japan. Their past encounter with Japan is fresh, and both squads will meet with high stakes and pride on the line during this series.
For fans and strategists alike, the term 'Ragus Samurai Japan Series 2025' denotes more than just matches; it also marks the beginning of what promises to be another thrilling baseball season leading up to the WBC. Matches will commence at 7:00 PM on March 5 and again at 6:30 PM on March 6 at the iconic venue.
Major broadcast partnerships, including TBS for terrestrial viewing and streaming platforms such as Prime Video, are slated to cover the games, ensuring the reach of these pivotal matches extends to all fans.
Following the results from these games, Manager Ibata has reiterated the significance of evaluating and selecting the right players as they strive for consecutive victories at the world championship level, especially following their hard-fought final loss at last November's Premier 12.
With both the Samurai Japan and Netherlands teams eager to demonstrate their skills and resolve on the diamond, baseball enthusiasts are set for two promising exhibitions filled with excitement and potential.
Fans can expect to see significant performances as new talents strive to etch their names within the rich history of Japan's national baseball team. The anticipation around these matches is matched only by the potential of what lies ahead for these teams as they hone their skills with the 2026 WBC firmly in sight.