Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani is entering the 2026 Major League Baseball season with a chance to add another accolade to his impressive career: the Cy Young Award.
A Pursuit of Pitching Excellence
The four-time MLB Most Valuable Player and two-time World Series champion has yet to win the Cy Young Award, which recognizes outstanding pitching performance. Manager Dave Roberts stated Friday, during the Dodgers’ first spring training workouts for pitchers and catchers in Arizona, that Ohtani’s expectations “are going to exceed” his own.
Roberts emphasized the team’s primary focus is Ohtani’s health and consistent starts, believing that strong statistics will follow. Ohtani himself stated that winning a Cy Young Award requires the ability to pitch throughout an entire season.
Recovery and Preparation
Ohtani arrives at spring training after a rehab-free off-season. He underwent two right elbow operations in 2023 and returned to pitching for the Dodgers last June. He will not pitch for Japan in the upcoming Baseball World Classic, but anticipates being a full-time two-way player for the Dodgers this season, a role he hasn’t held since 2023.
Ohtani is currently preparing for the season, aiming to be throwing live batting practice next week. He acknowledged uncertainty about practice conditions during the World Baseball Classic, scheduled for March 5-17 and will focus on hitting during that time.
Competition for the Award
Paul Skenes, who won the National League Cy Young Award in 2025, is expected to be a strong contender again this year. Ohtani’s teammate, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, could as well be in the running.
Frequently Asked Questions
What awards has Shohei Ohtani already won?
Shohei Ohtani has won four MLB Most Valuable Player awards and two World Series titles.
When did Ohtani return to pitching for the Dodgers?
Ohtani returned to pitching for the Dodgers in June after undergoing two right elbow operations in 2023.
Will Ohtani pitch for Japan in the World Baseball Classic?
No, Ohtani will not pitch for Japan in the World Baseball Classic, but he will participate as a hitter.
What impact will Ohtani’s health and consistent performance have on the Dodgers’ chances this season?
