Ohtani’s Pursuit of the Cy Young Award
In Glendale, Arizona, Shohei Ohtani, one of baseball’s brightest stars, is gearing up for what could be a pivotal season as he aims for the elusive Cy Young Award—the only accolade missing from his remarkable résumé which includes five All-Star selections, four Most Valuable Player titles, two World Series championships, and a World Baseball Classic title.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recently expressed a hopeful outlook regarding Ohtani’s chances, stating, “I think it’s fair to say he expects to be in the Cy Young conversation. We just want him to be healthy, make starts, and all the numbers and statistics will take care of themselves. This guy is such a disciplined worker and expects the most from himself.”
Ohtani’s Comeback and Preparation
Ohtani, who is coming off a season in which he faced challenges due to an elbow injury, is finally set to take the field as a full-time, two-way player again since 2023. After missing the 2024 season on the mound, he made a triumphant return during the postseason, securing a 3-0 record with a 4.43 ERA and helping the Dodgers clinch their second consecutive World Series title.
Roberts noted that Ohtani’s injury-free offseason has allowed him to concentrate on recovery and strengthening his body, suggesting that this preparation will enhance his performance on the mound as he steps into his third season with the Dodgers.
Spring Training and World Baseball Classic
On the first day of spring training at Camelback Ranch earlier this week, Ohtani exhibited a relaxed demeanor, sharing laughs over breakfast with teammates before his bullpen session, his third of the spring. He expressed satisfaction with his offseason, stating, “I was finally able to have a normal offseason. Although the offseason was pretty short, I thought it was a good thing.”
With plans to throw live batting practice soon before heading to Japan for the World Baseball Classic, Ohtani clarified that he won’t be pitching during the tournament but focusing instead on his hitting.
Health Considerations and Team Strategy
A key factor in Ohtani’s decision to refrain from pitching in the WBC was a careful deliberation concerning his long-term health. As Roberts aptly pointed out, despite Ohtani’s extraordinary abilities, he is still human and has undergone two major surgeries. The WBC, scheduled to run from March 6-17, poses potential complications for Ohtani as he prepares for the Dodgers’ season opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks on March 26, leading to uncertainty about his throwing regime while in Japan.
Roberts assured that the team will remain adaptable, emphasizing, “There’s not going to be any timeline or endline or finish line where he has to be ready.”
Dodgers’ Season Aspirations
The Dodgers, who open the new season with aspirations of defending their title, have bolstered their roster significantly, highlighted by the addition of four-time All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker on a lucrative $240 million, four-year contract and elite reliever Edwin Díaz for $69 million over three years. With an attitude of patience and care, Roberts has encouraged the team, emphasizing the importance of a deliberate approach during spring training.
As Ohtani continues to recover and prepare, both fans and analysts alike will eagerly watch to see if this remarkable talent can finally claim that Cy Young title, rounding out a prestigious list of achievements that few in the sport can rival.
