Imagine a player so dominant he’s already achieved the unthinkable—joining the exclusive 50/50 club, winning an MVP as a designated hitter, and securing a staggering $700 million contract. But here’s where it gets even more fascinating: Shohei Ohtani isn’t done yet. The baseball world is buzzing with the possibility that he might add a Cy Young Award to his already legendary resume. Can he do it?
In Phoenix, as Ohtani ramped up his rehab and began to resemble a traditional starting pitcher late last season, Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior had his doubts. Balancing hitting and pitching seemed like a recipe for compromised focus. But Ohtani defied expectations. Despite his dual responsibilities, he was relentless in his pursuit of excellence. Every inning, he’d huddle with Prior and his catcher, dissecting his performance and strategizing for the next batter—often while rushing to put on his batting gear. And this is the part most people miss: Ohtani’s intensity as a pitcher is a stark contrast to his relaxed demeanor as a hitter, revealing two distinct personalities within the same player.
But here’s the controversial part: Is Ohtani’s pursuit of the Cy Young a realistic goal, or is it just another lofty ambition in a career already defined by breaking boundaries? Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman believes Ohtani is ‘on a mission,’ and history suggests that when Ohtani sets his mind to something, he delivers. In 2024, sidelined from pitching due to injury, he refocused on baserunning, doubling his stolen bases and becoming the first DH to win an MVP. Now, with a healthy offseason and a full-time return to pitching, the question isn’t if he’ll excel, but how far he’ll go.
Teammates like catcher Will Smith are convinced: ‘He can go out there and win a Cy Young this year. I have no doubt about that.’ But it’s not just about talent. Ohtani’s work ethic is unparalleled. During spring training, he threw consistently in the mid-90s, even hitting 98 mph in a simulated inning—a notable feat for someone who typically eases into his throwing program. His arsenal of six pitches, combined with his ability to adapt mid-game, makes him a nightmare for hitters. Remember when he threw 23 curveballs against the Reds because his fastball velocity wasn’t there? Or when he deployed his splitter in the NL Championship Series to keep the Brewers guessing? That’s the mark of a true ace.
But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Ohtani isn’t just competing against the league—he’s competing alongside one of the most stacked rotations in baseball. With Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, and Tyler Glasnow by his side, the Dodgers’ rotation is a breeding ground for excellence. Mark Prior, who once formed a legendary duo with Kerry Wood, believes this competitive environment will push Ohtani to new heights. ‘It becomes like a brotherhood,’ Prior says. ‘Nobody wants to be the weak link.’
Yet, obstacles remain. Ohtani’s participation in the World Baseball Classic could disrupt his preparation, and the Dodgers’ cautious approach to his workload might limit his starts. With only 25 starts projected, can he truly contend for the Cy Young? That’s the question we’re all asking.
So, what do you think? Is Ohtani’s Cy Young pursuit a foregone conclusion, or is it a bridge too far? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate you won’t want to miss!
