Full Breakdown
Shohei Ohtani's Pursuit of the Cy Young Award with the Los Angeles Dodgers
3/3/2026, 11:48:31 PM
Ohtani's Mission for 2026
As the 2026 MLB season approaches, Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers is focused on achieving a significant milestone: winning the National League Cy Young Award. This ambition comes after a series of accolades, including four MVP awards and two World Series titles, yet the Cy Young remains the only major individual honor he has yet to secure. Ohtani's teammates and coaches have noted his heightened intensity and commitment to pitching during spring training, signaling a clear intent to excel on the mound.
Performance and Rehabilitation Journey
Ohtani's journey to this point has been marked by challenges, including two surgeries on his ulnar collateral ligament between 2021 and 2023. Despite these setbacks, he has demonstrated impressive performance metrics, posting a 2.84 ERA with 542 strikeouts over 428 1/3 innings from 2021 to 2023. Last season, he returned to pitching with a 3.34 ERA, 90 strikeouts, and 16 walks across 67 1/3 innings, including playoffs. His pitching coach, Mark Prior, has observed Ohtani's unique approach during games, where he actively engages in discussions about pitch strategy and adjustments rather than resting between innings.
Training and Expectations
During the Dodgers' spring training, Ohtani has shown promising signs of his pitching capabilities, reaching speeds of 98 mph in simulated innings. Dodgers president of baseball operations, Andrew Friedman, remarked on Ohtani's focused demeanor, stating, "He seems like he's on a mission, pitching-wise." Teammates, including catcher Will Smith, have expressed confidence in Ohtani's potential, with Smith asserting, "There's no ceiling with him. He can go out there and win a Cy Young this year."
Competitive Environment
Ohtani's return to the Dodgers' rotation comes at a time when he will be surrounded by a competitive pitching staff, including Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who finished third in the NL Cy Young voting last year, and two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell. Prior believes that this competitive atmosphere will push Ohtani to refine his skills further, creating a culture of excellence within the rotation.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the optimism surrounding Ohtani's capabilities, there are challenges to consider. The Dodgers are expected to limit Ohtani to around 25 starts this season, a number that could hinder his chances for the Cy Young Award. However, his teammates remain confident that he will rise to the occasion, as he has consistently done in the past. Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy noted, "He keeps getting put in these spots where you expect something incredible to happen, and he rarely disappoints."
Conclusion
As Shohei Ohtani embarks on the 2026 season, his pursuit of the Cy Young Award is underscored by a commitment to excellence and a supportive team environment. With a history of overcoming adversity and a clear focus on his goals, Ohtani's performance will be closely watched as he aims to solidify his legacy as one of the greatest talents in Major League Baseball history.
