Imagine a baseball player who dominates both on the mound and at the plate, shattering records left and right. That's Shohei Ohtani, the two-way phenom who's already achieved almost everything imaginable in the sport. But there's one major award still missing from his trophy case: the Cy Young. After two record-breaking seasons to kick off his massive $700 million deal with the Dodgers, could this be the year Ohtani finally claims pitching's highest honor?
Ohtani's resume is staggering: five All-Star selections, four MVP awards, two World Series rings, and the first player ever to achieve the mythical 50-homer, 50-steal feat. He followed that up by becoming the first player in history to hit 50 home runs and strike out 50 batters in the same season. And this is the part most people miss: despite his incredible accomplishments, the Cy Young Award has remained elusive.
Manager Dave Roberts puts it bluntly: "I think it's fair to say he expects to be in the Cy Young conversation." But here's where it gets controversial: while Ohtani himself downplays the award, stating his primary focus is staying healthy, his talent and recent performance suggest he's a serious contender.
Ohtani came close in 2022, finishing fourth in Cy Young voting after a stellar season with the Angels. However, injuries have limited his pitching workload, with only one season exceeding 23 starts. His 2024 MVP campaign with the Dodgers was achieved solely as a designated hitter, followed by shoulder surgery. The Dodgers carefully rebuilt his pitching in 2025, culminating in a historic NLCS performance where he hit three home runs and struck out 10 batters in six scoreless innings.
While the World Series proved more challenging on the mound, Ohtani acknowledges the toll of playing deep into October as a two-way player. This year, after his first fully healthy offseason in years, expectations are high for a full pitching workload.
The Dodgers plan to utilize a six-man rotation, prioritizing Ohtani's health and longevity. While they won't rush his 2026 pitching debut, the possibility of him taking the mound on Opening Day is tantalizing.
Will this be the year Ohtani adds the Cy Young to his already legendary resume? Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure: the baseball world will be watching closely.
What do you think? Is the Cy Young a foregone conclusion for Ohtani, or are there other pitchers who pose a serious challenge? Let us know in the comments!
