2 Shohei Ohtani bold predictions for 2026 season

The Oshu native made MLB history in 2024 when he became the first individual ever to record 50 home runs and 50 steals in a single season. In 2025, Ohtani collected just 20 steals as he worked his way back towards two-way status.

It is unlikely that Ohtani will snag more than 50 bags in 2026, but it is not unreasonable to expect more than he nabbed last year. While he did not run as frequently last year, he still ranked in the 65th percentile for sprint speed, down slightly from his 70th percentile mark the year prior. Further, any rehab involved with his UCL tear is fully behind him.

Most might say that he and the Dodgers would be extremely careful in this regard, since they value his availability as a pitcher, but in many ways, his baserunning style is not centered on simple sprint speed or any single physical advantage. Overall, Ohtani’s edge revolves around both his intelligence as a player and his body’s preparedness to take on steal opportunities. This season may not be a 50/50-type year, but the reigning NL MVP will surely run more than he did in 2025.

The sport will be reminded of Shohei Ohtani’s dominance on the mound

Perhaps Ohtani will not be favored to win the NL Cy Young, given others like Paul Skenes and Yoshinobu Yamamoto reside in the same league, but many around the Dodgers’ spring camp have been impressed by the work he has put in to ensure elite outings.

It could be argued that this process truly started last season when he came back to the mound in June. Across 14 starts and 47 innings, Ohtani posted a 2.87 ERA and went on to toss meaningful postseason frames.

“I do think last year it was important for him to just get back, get healthy and get pitching,” Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior said. “Now, it’s about maybe refining the usages, the arsenal, maybe how he attacks hitters, and knowing what his stuff is now.”

Ohtani might be more comfortable and settled this season. As a result, he could turn heads and resemble the arm he was with the Los Angeles Angels in 2022, when he slung 166 innings and earned a 2.33 ERA.

“He wants a Cy Young,” Dodgers backup catcher Dalton Rushing said. “He wants a Cy Young, and you can tell with the way he’s carrying himself here recently.”

The Dodgers will begin their season Thursday when they host the Arizona Diamondbacks. It remains to be seen if Ohtani will be able to offer more surprises.