Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani just dropped a bold 2026 pitching plan that has fans buzzing about his full return to two-way dominance.NL
Shohei Ohtani Wins NL MVP After Historic Two-Way Season with Dodgers
Shohei Ohtani’s first season in Dodger blue ended the only way it could have – with another MVP trophy in hand and a fanbase already dreaming of what’s next.
Ohtani took home the 2025 National League Most Valuable Player award, capping off a campaign that delivered everything Dodgers fans hoped for and more. Even in a year where he didn’t step on the mound until midseason, Ohtani’s impact was undeniable – a blend of power, speed, and poise that turned Chavez Ravine into a nightly showcase of baseball’s most unique talent.
Let’s start with the bat. Ohtani mashed 55 home runs, drove in 102 runs, swiped 20 bags, and crossed the plate 146 times.
His OPS? A ridiculous 1.014.
That’s the kind of number that makes pitchers sweat before they even toe the rubber. He didn’t just hit – he terrorized opposing staffs with a combination of elite plate discipline and raw power that few in the game can match.
And then there’s the arm.
After spending the early part of the season as the Dodgers’ designated hitter, Ohtani returned to the mound in June, making his debut against the Padres. His first outing came in a limited role as an opener, but it didn’t take long for the training wheels to come off. With each start, he stretched out his innings, built up his pitch count, and by the time October rolled around, he was fully unleashed.
In total, Ohtani made 14 starts in 2025, posting a 2.87 ERA with 62 strikeouts over 47 innings. For most pitchers, that’s a solid half-season. For Ohtani, it was just the beginning – a preview of what could be a full season of two-way dominance in 2026.
And that’s exactly what he’s aiming for.
“I do plan on being able to pitch off the mound from the beginning of the season,” Ohtani said through an interpreter after accepting his MVP award. “For me, the biggest thing is being able to stay healthy throughout the whole season and hopefully be able to start and end the season on the mound.”
That’s music to the ears of Dodgers fans – and a nightmare for the rest of the league.
The Dodgers have already reaped the rewards of the Ohtani era, winning back-to-back World Series titles in his first two seasons with the team. Now, with a three-peat on the table and Ohtani eyeing a full season as both a top-of-the-line starter and one of the game’s most feared hitters, the potential is sky-high.
“Obviously we might have new additions and some guys might be gone,” Ohtani added. “In any case, I do hope to be able to pitch however many days I need to be out there and just be healthy.”
That’s the mission: stay healthy, stay dominant, and keep chasing history.
Ohtani’s 2025 season was a reminder that we’re witnessing something we’ve never really seen before – a player who can change the game on both sides of the ball, and do it at an MVP level. His ability to adjust roles midseason, ramp up his workload, and still deliver elite production is a testament to his preparation and sheer talent.
Now, with another MVP in hand and a full offseason to get ready, Ohtani is setting the stage for what could be his most complete season yet.
Dodger Stadium is going to be electric come April. And if Ohtani delivers on his plan, we’re in for something special in 2026.
