Entering the 2026 MLB season, the Los Angeles Dodgers and superstar Shohei Ohtani are looking to become the first team to three-peat as World Series champions since the New York Yankees did it back in 1998, 1999, and 2000.
On paper, the Dodgers are the favorite to many to do just that. After the offseason addition of superstar outfielder Kyle Tucker, they are even more of a favorite than they were at this point last season.
Leading the way for Los Angeles is still Ohtani. He is fully healthy entering the 2026 campaign and will be able to star both at the plate and on the mound. This season could end up being one of his best if projections hold true.
Ohtani is coming off of a 2025 season with the Dodgers where he played in 158 games, hitting 55 home runs, driving in 102 RBI, and slashing .282/.392/.622. On the mound, he made 14 starts 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.
Ahead of Opening Day, Ohtani has received a new prediction that hints at good news for both him and the team.
Dodgers Star Shohei Ohtani Lands Major 2026 Prediction
Jon Heyman of the New York Post has weighed in with his award predictions for 2026. He has Ohtani taking home the honor of being the National League MVP.
“Picking against Ohtani is folly. He is not only the best hitter in the league. If he committed to only pitching, he might be the best pitcher, too,” Heyman wrote.
“He has obliterated the idea that a DH can’t win it. But if he pitches at all, he makes it very tough on anyone else. In the human category, I’ll take Juan Soto.”
To this point in his MLB career, Ohtani has won four MVP awards. He will have a great opportunity to make that number five throughout the 2026 season.
Who Are Some Potential Contenders for Ohtani to Compete With?
Juan Soto could be one contender for the NL MVP award, as Heyman noted. At the end of the day, there simply aren’t many who could win the award over the Dodgers superstar.
A few other names worth throwing into the mix are Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr., Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, and perhaps Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber.
While all of those players could make a push to take the award over Ohtani, there is no question who the overwhelming favorite will be. Ohtani is the best player in baseball and is trending towards being the best baseball player of all-time.
Adding another MVP award this season would simply be another step towards taking over the “GOAT” title for Major League Baseball.
Dodgers Star Shohei Ohtani Lands Big News Before Opening Day