Shohei Ohtani is mounting a strong case for the Cy Young Award this season, a distinction that has so far eluded the two-way star despite his multiple Most Valuable Player honors. The Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher and hitter has posted impressive numbers on the mound, recording a 7-2 win-loss record and a 1.47 earned run average (ERA) through 12 starts and 73⅔ innings pitched. While these figures fall short of the workload he shouldered during his career-high 2022 campaign—when he made 28 starts, threw 166 innings, and finished fourth in the American League Cy Young voting—his current ERA places him among the game’s elite starters.

Despite his remarkable pitching performance, oddsmakers consider Ohtani a long shot to claim the Cy Young Award this year, particularly in the National League, where he faces formidable competition. Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Jacob Misiorowski leads the field with an 8-3 record and a 1.45 ERA across 15 starts, while Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Cristopher Sánchez has impressed with a 9-3 record and a 1.80 ERA, including a streak of 50⅔ consecutive scoreless innings.

Ohtani’s journey as a pitcher has been marked by cautious management of his workload, with the Los Angeles Angels opting not to use him on the mound at all during the 2019 and 2024 seasons. Even in 2026, he remains a few innings shy of qualifying for the ERA title. Historically, his hitting has been more consistent and reliable than his pitching, but this season sees a shift as his performance on the mound has taken on a more dominant role.

While Ohtani’s offensive numbers, including home runs and stolen bases, are not at the extraordinary levels seen in previous years, his bid for a second MVP award appears secure. The real narrative this season is his emergence as one of baseball’s top pitchers, adding a new dimension to his already unique two-way accomplishments. Whether that will be enough to secure the Cy Young Award amid stiff National League competition remains to be seen as the season progresses.