From 50/50 to Cy Young? Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani on a mission - ESPN

ESPN

by Alden Gonzalez

March 3, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers' two-way star, has shown a remarkable transformation in his focus and intensity as he balances hitting and pitching during spring training. Known for his unique ability to excel in both roles, Ohtani has demonstrated an unprecedented level of dedication, even when juggling the demands of being a designated hitter and starting pitcher. His teammates and coaches have noticed a clear shift in his mindset, with Dodgers president Andrew Friedman describing him as "on a mission" this season. Ohtani's journey to becoming a dominant force in Major League Baseball (MLB) has been anything but typical. After spending six frustrating years with the Los Angeles Angels without playoff success, Ohtani signed a historic 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers in 2024. This season marks his first full year of two-way duties since joining the Dodgers, and he has wasted no time proving his commitment to pitching. His consistent mid-90s fastball velocity early in spring training is a significant achievement for someone who typically takes a more measured approach to building up arm strength. The article highlights Ohtani's dual personalities: relaxed and jovial when focused on hitting, but intense and driven when pitching. This dichotomy has been on full display as he prepares to once again juggle both roles simultaneously. His teammates believe his singular focus this season could lead him to achieve another milestone—winning the Cy Young Award. Dodgers catcher Will Smith even expressed confidence that Ohtani can "go out there and win a Cy Young this year." Ohtani's pursuit of pitching excellence is not just about personal accolades; it’s also about solidifying his legacy as one of the most unique and talented players in MLB history. With four MVP awards already under his belt, including the first unanimous selection in 2024, Ohtani is now aiming to add a Cy Young to his collection. His determination to be both healthy and dominant this season has left little doubt among his peers

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Originally published on ESPN on 3/3/2026