WBC Japan: Koenji vs. Genta – Who Will Start at Shortstop?

As Japan prepares to defend its title in the upcoming sixth World Baseball Classic (WBC) in March, a key decision looms regarding the shortstop position. Currently, the team is evaluating Hiroto Kokoro (Hiroshima), known for his hitting prowess, and Shota Senda (Seibu), recognized for his strong defensive skills. The contrasting strengths of these two players are sparking debate among fans as the team finalizes its roster.

A Challenging Selection Process

The selection process for shortstop has been described as lacking a clear frontrunner. While Yuta Izuguchi (Yomiuri Giants) led the Central League in both Best Nine and Golden Glove awards and topped the “WAR” metric calculated by DELTA (https://1point02.jp/), he was not selected for the team. Similarly, Ruki Munayama (Rakuten), a rookie Best Nine recipient, and Kotaro Kōrin (Orix), a Golden Glove winner, were also left off the roster.

Did You Know? DELTA, the data analytics firm providing insights, has published multiple books and reports on baseball statistics, including the “Delta Baseball Report” series.

Contrasting Player Profiles

Hiroto Kokoro, a member of the selected team, excelled offensively in 2025, securing both the batting title and the highest on-base percentage. However, his playing time at shortstop has decreased recently, and his defensive performance, measured by the “UZR” metric, has been concerning, registering at -3.0 in 2024 and -9.1 in 2025.

Shota Senda, on the other hand, boasts a strong defensive record, having won the Golden Glove award for seven consecutive years through 2024. He also brings the experience of being a member of the winning 2023 WBC team. However, Senda struggled at the plate in 2025, with a .209 batting average and a “wRC+” of 59, significantly below the average.

International Competition and Historical Context

Other strong contenders in the WBC include Bobby Witt Jr. (USA), Geraldo Perdomo (Dominican Republic), and Francisco Lindor (Puerto Rico). Japan’s past WBC teams have featured notable shortstops such as Munenori Kawasaki, Yūji Nakashima, and Hayato Sakamoto. The current situation is described as a transitional period for the team at this position.

Expert Insight: The choice between Kokoro and Senda represents a classic trade-off between offensive potential and defensive reliability, a decision that could significantly impact the team’s overall performance in a high-stakes tournament.

The final decision rests with manager Hirokazu Iidaka, a former accomplished shortstop himself, and his choice could prove pivotal in determining Japan’s success in the tournament.

Frequently Asked Questions

What metrics are being used to evaluate the shortstops?

The article mentions “UZR,” which measures a player’s defensive range, and “wRC+,” which indicates a player’s weighted runs created, representing their offensive value. “WAR” (Wins Above Replacement) is also mentioned as a comprehensive metric calculated by DELTA.

Which players were considered for the shortstop position but were not selected?

Yuta Izuguchi (Yomiuri Giants), Ruki Munayama (Rakuten), and Kotaro Kōrin (Orix) were all considered but ultimately not selected for the team.

What experience does Shota Senda bring to the team?

Shota Senda was a member of the winning 2023 WBC team and has won the Golden Glove award for seven consecutive years through 2024.

How much weight will a manager’s experience as a former shortstop carry in this decision?