Shohei Ohtani on Spring Training Interview: One MVP Isn't Enough! Fully Committed to Classic Series but Will Only Bat, Not Pitch

Los Angeles Dodgers' two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani was interviewed today at the team's Arizona spring training base, with many closely watching his condition ahead of representing Japan in the World Baseball Classic. Ohtani confirmed he will attend solo as a batter only but stressed he will still give his best, openly saying, "One MVP win is not sufficient!"

Regarding Dodgers manager Dave Roberts' earlier disclosure that Ohtani will not pitch in the Classic, Ohtani personally confirmed this was a compromise reached after discussions with the team. He admitted that since he only resumed pitching late last season, combined with insurance and team considerations, it is indeed difficult to pitch in such a major tournament at this stage.

"Although it’s a bit disappointing not to play as a two-way player, I fully understand and accept this arrangement," Ohtani said. Currently, all insurance-related medical exams have been cleared, and he will focus on being the designated hitter, feeling confident about his condition.

To reach his best hitting form before rejoining the national team in Japan, Ohtani plans to accumulate 30 to 40 at-bats during spring training. He revealed, "Normally, spring training requires about 60 at-bats; I intend to complete half in the U.S. and finish the rest after returning to Japan."

Ohtani has also kept up with his pitching adjustments, having completed his third bullpen session with satisfactory intensity. He plans to conduct live batting practice next week, aiming to fine-tune all aspects before returning home, ensuring he enters the season without any concerns.

Discussing his goals for the WBC, the previous MVP Ohtani showed a strong desire to win. He mentioned the WBC is an extremely important event for baseball, and the thrilling matches from the last tournament remain vivid in his memory.

Regarding his achievements as a world champion and MVP, Ohtani candidly stated: "Whether it’s a championship or MVP, winning once is never enough. Winning twice is better than once, and three times is better than twice. Only by continually accumulating can one be recognized as a true ‘elite player.’" He added that if he ever feels satisfied with winning, that might be the time to consider retirement, but for now, his hunger for victory remains strong.

Ohtani is a five-time All-Star, four-time MVP, two-time World Series champion, and also a WBC champion, boasting a record that few active players can match. However, among his honors, the Cy Young Award is notably absent. Given his past performance, it would be no surprise if he claims this trophy in the 2026 season.

Roberts said on the first day of spring training: "I think it’s fair to say he expects to be in the Cy Young Award conversation. We just want him to stay healthy and start as planned; the stats and results will come naturally. He is extremely disciplined in training and holds himself to very high standards."

Only 105 days after the Dodgers became the first MLB team in nearly 25 years to win back-to-back titles, Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and other pitchers and catchers began spring training at Camelback Ranch. Ohtani is expected to play as a full-time two-way player for the first time since 2023. After missing pitching duties in 2024 due to a right elbow injury, he returned to the mound last season, posting a 3-0 record with a 4.43 ERA in the playoffs, helping the Dodgers secure consecutive championships.

Roberts noted that Ohtani focused on rest, recovery, and physical conditioning during a healthy offseason, which will make his pitching stronger in the new season. "He looks strong but hasn’t bulked up too much," Roberts said. "Watching his pitching and running, his physical condition is excellent; he’s in peak form."

At 31 years old, Ohtani was relaxed and chatting with teammates before bullpen sessions, fully integrated into the Dodgers environment. This is his third season with the team that helped him become a baseball legend. "I finally had a normal offseason," Ohtani said. "Although it was short, I think that’s a good thing."

Ohtani revealed he arrived at the spring training site earlier this month, with the bullpen session on the 12th being his third, and he feels good. His goal is to do live batting practice next week before heading to Tokyo to join the Japanese team. He will focus on hitting during the WBC and will not pitch. Roberts emphasized this decision was made with long-term health in mind and agreed upon by the team. "Although people think he’s superhuman, he has undergone two major surgeries," Roberts said. "He still has a long career ahead."

The WBC schedule makes preparing for the Dodgers’ March 26 season opener challenging for Ohtani. Both Roberts and Ohtani are uncertain about his pitching training plans in Japan. Roberts said Ohtani certainly wants to be ready to pitch at the start of the season, but the team will remain flexible. "It’s delicate; we’ll know more in the coming weeks," Roberts said. "For us, there is no set timetable for when he must be ready."

Aside from the Cy Young Award, Ohtani has won nearly every honor available, many multiple times. When asked if he still has goals, he said, "Whether winning the World Series, WBC, or MVP, one time is never enough. To be recognized as a top player, you have to keep achieving. One time is better than none, two times better than one, three times better than two — the key is continuous accumulation."

Why never satisfied? How does he keep resetting? Ohtani explained, "If I ever feel satisfied, that’s probably the end. But I don’t have that mindset now. Conversely, if that day comes, maybe it’s time to consider stepping away."

After two elbow ligament surgeries over two years ago, Ohtani can finally play a full season as a two-way player this year. Asked if he will compete for the Cy Young Award, he said, "It would be great if I could win it. Getting close means I pitched many quality innings." But he emphasized, "Being healthy enough to pitch the entire season is the most important thing and should be the top priority."

After the first day of spring training practice, Ohtani granted media interviews, initially responding directly in English without translator Will Ireton, but later laughingly said he still needed a translator to avoid tricky questions.

Regarding having his first full healthy offseason since joining the Dodgers, Ohtani expressed happiness to finally have a normal break. Although the offseason was short due to playing until the last game of the World Series and preparing for the WBC, he said, "That’s not a bad thing. During this shorter time, I also prepared thoroughly."

When asked why a short offseason isn’t bad, Ohtani replied directly in English, "You know what I mean." The media wondered if he could conduct interviews fully in English and whether Ireton might lose his job. He laughed and said, "No, I still need him. There are always some tough questions, and he helps me dodge them cleverly."

Participating in Dodgers spring training fully healthy as a two-way player for the first time, Ohtani said, "What’s more important is to stay healthy and fully perform both pitching and hitting throughout the entire season. I think that’s very important for both the team and myself."