Full Breakdown
Shohei Ohtani's Impact on the Dodgers and the 2026 Season
2/8/2026, 2:00:12 AM
Ohtani's Journey and Expectations for 2026
Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers' two-way superstar, has been a pivotal figure since joining the team. After undergoing Tommy John surgery in September 2023, Ohtani's return to pitching was delayed due to a shoulder surgery following the 2024 World Series. In 2025, he made a limited return, pitching only 47 innings across 14 starts while achieving a 2.87 ERA and winning the National League MVP award for the second consecutive year. As the Dodgers prepare for the 2026 season, pitching coach Mark Prior anticipates seeing the "full version" of Ohtani, who is expected to resume a typical pitching workload for the first time since 2023.
Participation in the 2026 World Baseball Classic
Ohtani has been named to Japan's roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC), marking his third appearance in the tournament. However, he will only serve as a designated hitter and will not pitch, a decision influenced by both personal choice and insurance coverage issues. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Ohtani opted out of pitching to prioritize his health ahead of the MLB season.
Dodgers' Roster and World Baseball Classic Participation
The Dodgers will have five players participating in the 2026 WBC, including Ohtani and fellow All-Star Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who is expected to be a key pitcher for Japan. Other Dodgers players include Hyeseong Kim (Team Korea), Edwin Díaz (Team Puerto Rico), and Will Smith (Team USA). Notably, Clayton Kershaw, who retired after the 2025 season, will also participate, marking his first WBC appearance.
The Dodgers' Championship Aspirations
The Dodgers, having won back-to-back World Series titles, are aiming for a historic three-peat in 2026. Ohtani's performance will be crucial to their success, as he has established himself as a dominant force in both hitting and pitching. His contributions over the past two seasons have solidified his status as the team's best player, with impressive statistics including 55 home runs and 102 RBIs in 2025.
Criticism and Challenges Ahead
Despite the Dodgers' strong roster, there are challenges to maintaining their dominance. The New York Mets, having revamped their lineup with several All-Star acquisitions, are viewed as a significant threat to the Dodgers' championship reign. ESPN's Buster Olney highlighted the Mets' potential to challenge the Dodgers, depending on the performance of their newly acquired players.
Official Statements and Future Outlook
Ohtani expressed his hopes for the upcoming season, stating, “I hope when I retire and look back, I can say that I was on that team that won three championships in a row.” As the Dodgers gear up for the 2026 season, the focus will be on balancing Ohtani's dual-role capabilities while ensuring he remains healthy and effective on the mound.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This year, yeah, the full version,” — Mark Prior, Dodgers Pitching Coach
- “However I do hope when I retire and I look back, I can be able to say that I was on that team that won three championships in a row.” — Shohei Ohtani
As the 2026 season approaches, the Dodgers are poised for another competitive year, with Ohtani at the forefront of their aspirations for continued success.
