Dodgers icon targets elusive missing honour in dramatic mound return

The Japanese superstar has outlined a major personal ambition as the MLB champions begin spring training.

Shohei Ohtani has targeted winning the Cy Young Award for the first time after completing an intense bullpen session that signals his full-time return to a two-way role with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

More than 450 onlookers gathered at the franchise’s complex in Phoenix to witness the significant milestone on Friday morning.

The global superstar threw 27 pitches with palpable intensity, marking the beginning of a daunting physical challenge.

Having recovered from a second major elbow surgery, the 30-year-old is now preparing to juggle pitching and hitting duties for a full season.

The final frontier

As the two-time defending champions began their 2026 preparations, talk immediately turned to the one major accolade missing from the phenom’s trophy cabinet.

While prioritising durability, the Japanese icon admitted that claiming the prize for the league’s best pitcher is on his radar.

“If at the end, the result is getting a Cy Young, that’s great,” Ohtani said through an interpreter.

“Getting a Cy Young means being able to throw more innings and being able to pitch throughout the whole season, so if that’s the end result, that’s a good sign for me.”

“What I’m more focused on is just being healthy the whole year.”

The former Angel previously finished fourth in the American League voting for the award in 2022.

Exceeding expectations

Ohtani is coming off his first fully healthy offseason since his blockbuster move to Los Angeles in December 2023.

His return to the mound last season was a carefully managed affair, delayed until mid-June.

Despite the cautious approach, the right-hander posted a 2.87 ERA across 47 innings, striking out 62 batters.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts believes his ace is now ready to unleash his full arsenal.

“There’s certainly a lot more in there,” Roberts said.

“Regardless of my expectations for him, his are going to exceed those. I think it’s fair to say he expects to be in the Cy Young conversation.”

Roberts noted he was particularly impressed by the pitcher’s command and ability to manipulate breaking balls after a 21-month hiatus from regular starting duties.

“But we just want him to be healthy and make starts. All the numbers and statistics will take care of themselves,” the manager added.