Former Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters manager Masataka Nashida is expected to be offered the Japan head coaching job for next year's World Baseball Classic, Kyodo News learned on Monday.
Nashida will work as the right-hand man for former Hiroshima Carp skipper Koji Yamamoto, who is set to be named manager of two-time defending champion Japan. He will receive a formal offer from Nippon Professional Baseball in the coming days, according to a source with knowledge of the decision.
Also expected to join Yamamoto and Nashida in the dugout are former Seibu Lions manager Osamu Higashio, former-Chunichi Dragons All-Star shortstop Kazuyoshi Tatsunami, and Nobuhiro Takashiro, the current head coach of the Orix Buffaloes.