Shohei Ohtani's Remarkable Journey: From Record-Breaking Seasons to Cy Young Aspirations
The baseball world is captivated by Shohei Ohtani's extraordinary talent. After two consecutive record-setting seasons, this two-way star has already achieved what many deemed impossible. With five All-Star appearances, four MVP awards, and two World Series championships under his belt, Ohtani's latest feat is unprecedented: 50 homers as a hitter and 50 strikeouts as a pitcher in a single season.
But here's where it gets intriguing: as Ohtani embarks on a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers, what new heights can he reach? Manager Dave Roberts believes the Cy Young Award, the only major honor missing from Ohtani's illustrious career, could be within his grasp. But is it a realistic goal?
Ohtani, ever the humble athlete, downplays the pursuit of individual accolades. He insists that his primary focus is staying healthy for the entire 2026 season. Yet, he acknowledges that winning the Cy Young would signify his ability to pitch consistently and healthily. And this is the part most people miss—Ohtani's journey hasn't been without challenges.
In 2022, he came tantalizingly close to the Cy Young, finishing fourth in voting after a stellar season with the Angels. But elbow injuries have limited his pitching appearances, with only one season surpassing 23 starts or 132 innings. Ohtani's resilience shone through as he underwent two major elbow reconstructions since his rookie year in 2018.
And this is where the story takes a twist. Despite being a designated hitter for the Dodgers in 2024, Ohtani was named National League MVP. However, shoulder surgery delayed his pitching return, and it wasn't until June 2025 that he started on the mound again. The Dodgers took a cautious approach, gradually increasing his workload, and Ohtani finished the year with impressive numbers despite limited innings.
"His command was surprising," Roberts noted, referring to Ohtani's 2025 season. But the real test came in the playoffs, where Ohtani delivered one of MLB's greatest performances in Game 4 of the NLCS, propelling the Dodgers to the World Series. Yet, the Fall Classic exposed Ohtani's fatigue, as he struggled on the mound.
Now, with a healthy offseason behind him, Ohtani is gearing up for a full pitching workload. The Dodgers plan to handle him more conventionally, but the World Baseball Classic may impact his preparation. Ohtani will bat for Team Japan but won't pitch, leaving questions about his readiness for the upcoming MLB season.
The Dodgers are taking a cautious approach, likely employing a six-man rotation to start the season. They're committed to Ohtani's long-term health, and his 2026 pitching debut remains undetermined. But if all goes according to plan, Ohtani could be ready to dominate on Opening Day, adding another chapter to his legendary career.
As Ohtani continues to defy expectations, the baseball community eagerly awaits his next move. Will he achieve the elusive Cy Young Award? Only time will tell. And the debate rages on—is Ohtani's pursuit of pitching excellence a realistic goal, or is he better suited to focus on his hitting prowess? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
