"Finishing in the top five in Cy Young voting in a season where Ohtani hit 34 home runs, drove in 95 RBIs, and slashed .273/.356/.519 is quite the feat, but Ohtani will want to get a Cy Young before it is all said and done. He has all of the capabilities to do so in terms of stuff, pitch mix, and command when he is dialed in, and he can be supremely effective despite his hitting duties."
"Only seven MLB players have hit 60 or more home runs in a single season, with the most recent example being Cal Raleigh, who did so in 2025 as a catcher. The other players have been Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, and Sammy Sosa, as well as Roger Maris and Babe Ruth."
"The combination of his pitching and hitting success is what makes him such a special player, though there are still two key awards that have eluded him, along with one specific benchmark that would put him in a special category of his own."
Shohei Ohtani possesses an exceptional resume including two World Series titles, four MVP awards, and multiple All-Star selections. At 31, he remains in his prime with elite athleticism and body maintenance. The 2026 season represents a potential peak for his two-way performance. Ohtani has already achieved the 50/50 club and hit 55 home runs in 2025, yet two major awards remain elusive. Three realistic goals for 2026 include winning a Cy Young Award despite his hitting responsibilities, joining the exclusive 60-home-run club with only seven players having achieved this milestone, and potentially becoming the first player to combine 60 home runs with 20 wins in a single season.
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