Shohei Ohtani, the two-way sensation, is gearing up for a promising MLB season with the Los Angeles Dodgers. While he didn't pitch for Team Japan in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, Ohtani's focus is squarely on delivering a standout performance on the mound this year. After Japan's quarterfinal exit against Venezuela, Ohtani is back at the Dodgers’ spring training camp, ready to make his mark.
Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers' president of baseball operations, is optimistic about Ohtani's potential impact. "He seems like he’s on a mission, pitching-wise," Friedman noted. And when Ohtani is on a mission, history shows we're in for something special.
This season marks Ohtani's first full year in the Dodgers' starting rotation. After undergoing his second elbow surgery at the end of 2023, Ohtani knows the clock is ticking on his pitching career. He spent his initial season with the Dodgers as a designated hitter before returning to pitching last year, transitioning from an opener to a key rotation member during the postseason.
Dodgers catcher Will Smith is confident in Ohtani’s abilities, even suggesting that a Cy Young Award could be within reach. "He can go out there and win a Cy Young this year. I have no doubt about that," Smith shared.
Despite his prowess, Ohtani has only been in the Cy Young conversation once, finishing fourth in 2022 with the Angels. His pitching schedule, typically one start per week, limits him to about 26 starts for the season. This means that Ohtani will need to deliver consistently extraordinary performances to capture the Cy Young crown.
As the Dodgers prepare for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on Ohtani, whose unique talents continue to captivate fans and redefine what's possible on the baseball field.