Shohei Ohtani – the world’s number one two-way superstar, a global MLB icon, and the center of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ power – is entering the 2026 season with unprecedented ambition: to conquer Cy Young and aim for a fourth consecutive MVP, as his team is considered the top contender for a historic three-peat.

As Opening Day approaches, the entire league revolves around a single question: Can the Dodgers be stopped?

After two consecutive World Series championships, the Los Angeles team shows no signs of slowing down. On the contrary, they continue to shake up the transfer market with high-profile signings like Kyle Tucker and Edwin Díaz – two top stars in both offense and pitching. This addition not only increases the depth of the roster, but also transforms the Dodgers into a “perfect machine” in every position.

However, among that star-studded lineup, the name that defines their entire ambition remains Shohei Ohtani.

At 31, Ohtani is not simply an excellent player – he is a phenomenon. A player capable of simultaneously fulfilling the roles of both pitcher and hitter at an elite level, something modern baseball almost cannot replicate. And the 2026 season marks a significant milestone: for the first time since 2023, Ohtani will return to playing both roles fully throughout the season.

This makes him the most all-around threat in MLB.

While many players choose one role to optimize their career, Ohtani is pursuing both – and not just pursuing them, but dominating them. In recent seasons, he has consistently been among the top scorers in home runs and point-scoring, while maintaining ace-level pitching performance. But what’s noteworthy is that, according to internal Dodgers assessments, Ohtani is entering this season with a clear mission on the mound – aiming for Cy Young, the only title missing from his collection.

If that happens, MLB history could be rewritten.

Furthermore, Ohtani has the opportunity to win his fourth consecutive MVP – an achievement previously only accomplished by legendary Barry Bonds. This demonstrates the stature the Japanese superstar is reaching: not just one of the best players, but one of the greatest of all time.

For the Dodgers, Ohtani is not just the tactical centerpiece – he is the foundation of an entire era.

The Dodgers’ ambition for a “three-peat” (three consecutive championships) is more than just a title. If successful, they would equal the New York Yankees’ era of 1998–2000 – one of the most glorious periods in MLB history. And with their current roster, many experts believe the Dodgers are even more well-rounded.

But MLB has never been an easy game to predict.

Even though the Dodgers are at the top, their rivals aren’t standing still. The American League East is considered the most fiercely competitive region this season, with a host of strong teams like the Yankees, Blue Jays, Red Sox, and Orioles all significantly upgrading their rosters. These races could produce contenders capable of challenging the Dodgers in the World Series.

In addition, non-professional factors also make the 2026 season special. MLB is preparing to implement an automated ball-strike system (ABS), allowing teams to challenge referee decisions – a technological leap that could change the way games are played. This is a major variable, especially in the tense playoff games.

In addition, a wave of talented rookies is rising strongly. From international names to top prospects, MLB is entering a generational transition with unprecedented talent depth.

All of this creates a highly volatile season – but at the heart of it all, the Dodgers and Ohtani remain the focus.

However, not everyone believes the Dodgers will easily dominate. The pressure of history, the enormous workload, and especially managing Ohtani’s physical condition will be key factors. An injury, a series of poor performances – anything could change the course of the game.

However, if everything goes according to plan, the Dodgers are not just championship contenders – they could become a true “dynasty.”

And Shohei Ohtani, with his ambition to conquer every individual and team title, has the opportunity to make the 2026 season the most glorious chapter of his career – and possibly, in the history of modern baseball.

The question now is no longer how strong the Dodgers are.

But rather: who can stop them, when Shohei Ohtani is nearing the peak of his potential?