Shohei Ohtani, a five-time All-Star and four-time Most Valuable Player, is on the cusp of achieving a career milestone: winning the elusive Cy Young Award. With a World Series title and World Baseball Classic championship already under his belt, Ohtani's resume is already impressive. But here's where it gets controversial: despite his stellar track record, he hasn't yet claimed the Cy Young Award, the only major honor missing from his collection. Will 2026 be the year he finally adds this prestigious trophy to his collection? The Dodgers manager Dave Roberts believes so, stating that Ohtani expects to be in the Cy Young conversation and is a disciplined worker who expects the most from himself. Ohtani's journey to the Cy Young Award is intertwined with his health and recovery. After an injury-free offseason focused on rest, recovery, and strength, Ohtani is ready to return to the mound, aiming to be a full-time, two-way player. His return is a challenge for the Dodgers' schedule, as the World Baseball Classic is set to take place from March 6-17, and Ohtani's preparation for the Dodgers' opening day game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on March 26 is uncertain. The Dodgers, favorites to win the World Series, have made big investments in free agents, including Kyle Tucker and Edwin Díaz. As Ohtani prepares for his third season with the franchise that has helped him blossom into the biggest baseball phenomenon in decades, the question remains: will he finally claim the Cy Young Award in 2026?
