The 2026 MLB season is right around the corner and for the Los Angeles Dodgers and superstar Shohei Ohtani, a chance to pursue a three-peat.
After winning each of the last two MLB championships, the Dodgers can become the first team to three-peat since the New York Yankees did it back in 1998, 1999, and 2000. On paper, they appear to have a good chance of accomplishing that goal.
Led by Ohtani, Los Angeles has the superstar power. The Dodgers were able to land outfielder Kyle Tucker this offseason in MLB free agency.
Along with Ohtani and Tucker, the Dodgers have Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, and an excellent supporting cast offensively. They are also stacked on the pitching side of the roster.
With that being said, Ohtani has landed a stunning prediction ahead of the 2026 season.
Dodgers Superstar Shohei Ohtani Receives Massive 2026 Prediction
Ohtani has already started trending towards the conversation of being the best in baseball history. He has also been one of the most interesting players in baseball history, becoming a superstar both at the plate and on the mound.
Ahead of the 2026 season, Ohtani has been given a head-turning prediction.
Alden Gonzalez of ESPN has predicted that Ohtani will finish the season as a top-five contender for both the NL Cy Young and MVP awards.
“At the plate, .980 OPS, 45 home runs, 20 stolen bases. On the mound: 2.65 ERA, 160 innings, 213 strikeouts,” Gonzalez wrote. “The result: a third-place finish in Cy Young and a fifth MVP.”
While Gonzalez does not have Ohtani winning either award, being a top-five contender for both would be an impressive accomplishment. Assuming he can stay healthy, there is no reason the 31-year-old superstar can’t reach these goals.
What to Expect from Shohei Ohtani This Season
During the 2025 season with the Dodgers, Ohtani played in 158 games. He hit 55 home runs to go along with 102 RBI, 20 stolen bases, and a slash line of .282/.392/.622.
On the mound, he made 14 starts after recovering from injury and compiled a 1-1 record to go along with a 2.87 ERA, a 1.04 WHIP, a 6.9 K/BB ratio, and 47 innings pitched.
It will be interesting to see what the 2026 has in store for Ohtani.
RotoWire has taken a shot at projecting his upcoming season. They have predicted Ohtani to hit 50 home runs, drive in 105 RBI, and steal 31 bases, while batting .296. They also predicted that he would go 9-4 on the mound with a 3.28 ERA, a 1.02 WHIP, and 161 strikeouts.
Only time will tell whether or not Ohtani can live up to the hype surrounding him. He has consistently been one of the best players in baseball throughout his career and no one should expect to see that change in 2026.