The Los Angeles Dodgers entered the All-Star break exactly where many expected them to be: atop Major League Baseball. At 61-36, the defending World Series champions own the best record in the sport and continue to look every bit like a team capable of extending their dynasty with a third consecutive title.
Maintaining that level of success has required contributions from across the roster, but no player has had a greater impact than Shohei Ohtani. The two-way superstar continues to redefine what is possible in modern baseball, producing at an elite level both on the mound and at the plate.
By age 31, Ohtani has already accumulated four MVP awards and established himself as one of the most accomplished players of his generation. Yet one major accolade remains absent from his résumé: a Cy Young Award. This season may represent one of his best opportunities to finally capture it.
However, as teammate Mookie Betts recently acknowledged, Ohtani faces significant competition. Despite his remarkable first half, National League pitchers Cristopher Sanchez and Jacob Misiorowski have put together campaigns that have made the race one of the most compelling storylines in baseball.
1. Ohtani’s Historic Season Continues
Ohtani’s numbers through the first half of the season would be extraordinary for a full-time pitcher, let alone someone simultaneously serving as one of the game’s most dangerous hitters. He entered the break with an 8-2 record, a 1.79 ERA, and 95 strikeouts across 85.2 innings.
Those statistics have firmly placed him in the Cy Young conversation, even if his workload trails some of his competitors. Every appearance on the mound has reinforced the notion that Ohtani remains one of baseball’s most dominant talents regardless of role.
His impact does not end there. Offensively, Ohtani is batting .293 with 22 home runs, 58 RBIs, and a .953 OPS. He ranks among the league leaders in multiple categories while continuing to balance the demands of being a two-way player.
The combination remains almost impossible to comprehend. In an era of increasing specialization, Ohtani continues to excel in two disciplines that individually require extraordinary commitment. His ability to maintain elite performance in both areas has prompted many around the sport to reconsider how greatness should be measured.
2. Betts Offers Honest Assessment
Few players are better positioned to evaluate Ohtani’s impact than Mookie Betts. The former MVP has shared a clubhouse with him throughout several successful seasons and has witnessed his preparation and competitiveness firsthand.
When asked about Ohtani’s Cy Young chances, Betts did not hesitate to praise his teammate. He described Ohtani as “the best player ever,” a statement that carries considerable weight coming from one of baseball’s premier talents.
At the same time, Betts acknowledged the realities of the award race. He pointed to the performances of Sanchez and other National League pitchers, noting that their larger workloads could ultimately influence voters.
Betts also highlighted the difference in Ohtani’s demeanor when he takes the mound. According to him, there is an added intensity to Ohtani’s approach as a pitcher—an edge that becomes apparent whenever he steps onto the field in that role. While Ohtani is always competitive, Betts suggested there is something uniquely focused about his pitching performances.
3. A Crowded Cy Young Race
The challenge facing Ohtani is not a lack of production but rather the exceptional quality of his competition. Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Cristopher Sanchez has emerged as one of the National League’s most effective pitchers, posting 127.1 innings and 144 strikeouts entering the break.
Milwaukee Brewers standout Jacob Misiorowski has been equally impressive. His 167 strikeouts across 111 innings have established him as another leading candidate, giving voters multiple compelling options as the second half approaches.
Workload has historically played an important role in Cy Young voting, and both Sanchez and Misiorowski currently possess an advantage in that category. Ohtani’s relatively limited innings total could become a significant factor despite his superior rate statistics.
Still, dismissing Ohtani would be unwise. If he continues pitching at his current level while maintaining his offensive production, he could mount a serious challenge over the final months of the season. Few players in baseball history have demonstrated a greater capacity to accomplish what once seemed impossible.