Shohei Ohtani Sets Sights on Cy Young Award for 2026 Season
In the world of baseball, Shohei Ohtani stands as a towering figure with a resume that few can rival. A five-time All-Star, four-time Most Valuable Player, two-time World Series champion, and World Baseball Classic winner, his accolades are unmatched among current players. Yet, one major honour has eluded him: the Cy Young Award. As the 2026 season approaches, Ohtani is determined to add this prestigious pitching trophy to his collection, bolstered by a healthy offseason and renewed focus.
Manager Dave Roberts Confident in Ohtani's Cy Young Prospects
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed optimism about Ohtani's chances, stating on Friday that it is fair to expect him to be in the Cy Young conversation this year. Roberts emphasised that Ohtani's disciplined work ethic and high self-expectations are key factors. "We just want him to be healthy, make starts, and all the numbers and statistics will take care of themselves," Roberts said. "But, man, this guy is such a disciplined worker and expects the most from himself."
The Dodgers, fresh off becoming MLB's first back-to-back champions in a quarter century by defeating the Toronto Blue Jays in a thrilling Game 7, began their spring training at Camelback Ranch on Friday. Ohtani, alongside teammate Yoshinobu Yamamoto and other pitchers and catchers, participated in the first workout, marking a crucial step in his preparation.
Ohtani's Return to Full-Time Two-Way Play After Injury Setbacks
Ohtani is poised to return as a full-time two-way player for the first time since 2023, following an elbow injury that sidelined him from pitching in the 2024 season. He made a mid-season comeback last year, posting a 3-0 record with a 4.43 ERA in the postseason, instrumental in securing the Dodgers' second consecutive World Series title. Roberts noted that an injury-free offseason, focused on rest, recovery, and strength training, has made Ohtani even more formidable on the mound.
"He just looks strong, but not too much mass," Roberts observed. "Watching him throw, watching him run, his body is moving well. I think he's in a sweet spot." At 31 years old, Ohtani appeared relaxed and comfortable in the clubhouse, laughing with teammates before his bullpen session, a testament to his familiarity with the Dodgers' environment as he enters his third season with the franchise.
Balancing International Duties with Dodgers' Season Preparations
Ohtani arrived at Camelback Ranch at the beginning of the month and has already completed three bullpen sessions this spring, with Friday's going well. His next goal is to throw live batting practice next week before departing to join Team Japan for the World Baseball Classic in Tokyo. However, he will not pitch in the WBC, focusing solely on batting to prioritise his long-term health.
Roberts explained that this decision was collaborative, considering Ohtani's history of two major surgeries. "As much as people think that he’s not human, he’s still a human being who has had two major surgeries," Roberts said. "He’s got a long career ahead of him." The WBC schedule, which could see Team Japan playing from March 6-17 across two continents, poses a challenge for Ohtani's preparation for the Dodgers' opening day game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on March 26. Both Roberts and Ohtani are uncertain about his throwing schedule in Japan, but the team remains flexible.
"It's delicate," Roberts admitted. "We'll know more in the next couple weeks and see where the progression is at. But for us, there's not going to be any timeline or endline or finish line where he has to be ready."
Dodgers' Offseason Moves and World Series Favouritism
The Dodgers enter the 2026 season as favourites to win the World Series, bolstered by significant offseason acquisitions. They signed four-time All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker to a $240 million, four-year deal and star reliever Edwin Díaz to a $69 million, three-year contract, further widening the gap between baseball's top spenders and smaller-market teams. Díaz, who had a 1.63 ERA and 28 saves for the New York Mets last season, also threw a bullpen session on Friday.
Roberts acknowledged the team's eagerness, noting the extended camp duration this year. "Guys are anxious," he said. "We've got a long camp, longer than we've had in recent years. We're trying to get guys to start slow and be intentional and methodical. That's kind of the message."
With a healthy Ohtani leading the charge, the Dodgers are poised for another championship run, while Ohtani himself eyes the Cy Young Award as the crowning achievement in his illustrious career.
