Sports

Shohei Ohtani Sets His Sights on the Only Award Missing From His Historic Career

GLENDALE, Arizona  Shohei Ohtani has already secured his place among baseball’s all-time greats. The Japanese superstar is a five-time All-Star, four-time MVP, two-time World Series champion, and World Baseball Classic winner.

Yet despite his extraordinary résumé as a two-way player, one prestigious honor still remains out of reach: the Cy Young Award.

Healthy and Ready for a Dominant 2026 Season

Heading into the 2026 MLB season, Ohtani appears fully healthy and highly motivated. After elbow issues limited his pitching duties in 2024, he returned to the mound during the second half of 2025 and helped lead the Los Angeles Dodgers to back-to-back World Series titles.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts believes this could be the year Ohtani truly contends for the Cy Young.

“I think it’s fair to say he expects to be in that conversation,” Roberts said. “If he stays healthy and makes his starts, the results will speak for themselves.”

Roberts also noted that Ohtani’s offseason preparation has been exceptional. The two-way star reportedly arrived at spring training in outstanding physical condition, strong and balanced, positioning himself for a full pitching workload.

World Baseball Classic Strategy

Ohtani is expected to participate in the upcoming World Baseball Classic with Team Japan, but he will focus exclusively on hitting rather than pitching. The decision aims to protect his arm and maintain long-term durability.

The Dodgers plan to carefully manage his pitching schedule leading up to Opening Day on March 26, ensuring he remains at peak performance throughout the season.

Dodgers Enter 2026 as Championship Favorites

Los Angeles once again looks like the team to beat. The Dodgers strengthened their roster by adding All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker and elite closer Edwin Díaz during the offseason.

With a powerhouse lineup and a fully healthy Ohtani, expectations are sky-high. If he combines durability with elite pitching performance while continuing his offensive production, 2026 could finally be the year he captures the Cy Young Award — the last major prize missing from his legendary career.