Imagine a player so dominant that he could revolutionize baseball as we know it. That's Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers' two-way phenom, who's now setting his sights on conquering the pitching world after already mastering hitting. But here's where it gets controversial: Can Ohtani, already a four-time MVP, truly add a Cy Young Award to his trophy case while juggling both roles? And this is the part most people miss: His journey to pitching greatness might just redefine what's possible in the sport.
As Ohtani emerged from rehab last year, Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior anticipated challenges in working with him. After all, Ohtani's dual responsibilities as a hitter and pitcher seemed to leave little room for the in-depth, between-innings discussions Prior typically has with his pitchers. Yet, Ohtani defied expectations. Here’s the surprising twist: Instead of being overwhelmed, Ohtani actively sought these conversations, often dissecting his performance and planning adjustments while simultaneously preparing to bat. This level of dedication left Prior impressed, proving that Ohtani's focus transcends the limitations of his unique role.
Ohtani's intensity as a pitcher stands in stark contrast to his more relaxed demeanor as a hitter. This duality hasn’t gone unnoticed by his teammates and coaches. Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman observed, 'He seems like he's on a mission, pitching-wise. Whenever we've seen him on a mission, good things happen.' This mission-driven approach was evident in 2024 when, sidelined from pitching due to injury, Ohtani refocused his efforts on becoming a more aggressive baserunner, ultimately joining the exclusive 50/50 club and winning an MVP as a designated hitter.
Now, as Ohtani prepares to tackle full-time two-way duties for the first time in three years, the question on everyone's mind is: Can he dominate pitching the way he has hitting? Dodgers catcher Will Smith boldly declares, 'He can go out there and win a Cy Young this year. I have no doubt about that.' But achieving this feat won't be without challenges. Ohtani's pitching workload, limited by his dual role, could hinder his Cy Young chances. Yet, his relentless drive and unparalleled talent make him a strong contender.
Ohtani's return to pitching has been methodical. During spring training, he consistently threw in the mid-90s, a notable improvement for someone who typically eases into his throwing program. His teammates, like outfielder Teoscar Hernandez, predict a transformed Shohei on the mound this season. Historically, Ohtani has been among the elite pitchers, posting a 2.84 ERA and striking out 542 batters from 2021 to 2023. But the real question remains: Does he still have untapped potential?
Here’s a thought-provoking question: Could Ohtani's collaboration with fellow pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who finished third in NL Cy Young voting last year, elevate both of their games to new heights? Mark Prior believes so, drawing parallels to his own experience as part of a dominant rotation duo with Kerry Wood. The competitive environment within the Dodgers' rotation, which includes two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow, could push Ohtani to reach his full potential.
Ohtani's pitching evolution is about more than just returning to the mound; it's about refining his approach. Prior notes that while Ohtani occasionally became predictable last season, his command of six pitches gives him a unique edge. This versatility was on full display during the 2025 NL Championship Series, where he seamlessly introduced his splitter mid-game, keeping opposing hitters off balance.
As Ohtani balances his World Baseball Classic commitments with his preparation for the MLB season, the Dodgers are taking a cautious approach. With a deep roster of young, optionable starters, they can afford to give Ohtani ample rest between starts. However, this strategy could limit his innings, potentially impacting his Cy Young chances. Yet, given Ohtani's track record of exceeding expectations, it's hard to bet against him.
One final controversial point: Is Ohtani the greatest, most singular talent in Major League Baseball history? His pursuit of a Cy Young Award, coupled with his already impressive accolades, certainly strengthens that argument. As Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy puts it, 'He keeps getting put in these spots where you expect something incredible to happen, and he rarely disappoints.' Will this be the year Ohtani cements his legacy as the undisputed best? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Shohei Ohtani is a player who thrives under pressure, and the baseball world is watching with bated breath.
