Imagine a baseball player so dominant that he’s already a five-time All-Star, four-time MVP, two-time World Series champion, and a World Baseball Classic hero—all before turning 31. That’s Shohei Ohtani, a phenomenon whose resume is unmatched in today’s game. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite his staggering achievements, there’s one major award he hasn’t claimed—the Cy Young. Could 2026 be the year he finally adds that trophy to his collection? And this is the part most people miss: Ohtani’s journey to the Cy Young isn’t just about talent; it’s about resilience, discipline, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Fresh off the Dodgers’ historic back-to-back World Series wins—their first in 25 years—Ohtani is gearing up for a full-time return as a two-way player, something fans haven’t seen since 2023. An elbow injury sidelined him from pitching in 2024, but he made a triumphant return last postseason, going 3-0 with a 4.43 ERA to help secure the Dodgers’ second consecutive title. Now, after a rare injury-free offseason focused on rest and strength training, he’s poised to be even more dominant on the mound. ‘He just looks strong, but not too much mass,’ Dodgers manager Dave Roberts observed. ‘His body is moving well. I think he’s in a sweet spot.’
At 31, Ohtani is entering his third season with the Dodgers, the franchise that’s helped him become baseball’s biggest star in decades. ‘I was finally able to have a normal offseason,’ he shared, smiling and relaxed in the clubhouse. But his path to the Cy Young isn’t without challenges. With the World Baseball Classic looming—where he’ll focus solely on hitting for Team Japan—his preparation for the Dodgers’ opening day on March 26 is a delicate balancing act. ‘As much as people think he’s not human, he’s still a human being who’s had two major surgeries,’ Roberts reminded. ‘He’s got a long career ahead of him.’
The Dodgers, meanwhile, are once again World Series favorites after another offseason spending spree. They signed four-time All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker to a $240 million deal and star reliever Edwin Díaz for $69 million, further widening the gap between baseball’s elite and the rest. But the real question remains: Can Ohtani’s unparalleled work ethic and talent finally earn him the Cy Young? And if he does, where does he rank among the all-time greats? Let’s debate it in the comments—is Ohtani already the greatest, or does he need that Cy Young to cement his legacy?
