Bold take: Shohei Ohtani is staying atop the Dodgers’ lineup in 2026, and that decision keeps him as the team’s leadoff catalyst even as he returns to a full pitching workload. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed the plan, with Katie Woo of The Athletic relaying the update.
This marks a return to a familiar role for Ohtani, who, after a standout 2025 season, will again set the table for Los Angeles. In 2025, he delivered a career-high 55 home runs while starting 148 of his 158 games from the leadoff spot, illustrating how his presence at the top of the order can drive the offense even as he balances pitching duties. In 2026, the Dodgers aim to keep that same leadoff dynamic intact, even as Ohtani works through a full pitching slate.
Per Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic, Ohtani is slated to DH in the Dodgers’ first two Cactus League games this weekend. The plan is to give him competitive at-bats before he travels to join Team Japan ahead of the World Baseball Classic. Roberts has already stated that Ohtani will not pitch for Japan in the WBC, but the two-way star will likely continue to build his arm and batting readiness through spring bullpen sessions and live batting practice. The goal is to keep him on track for a productive Opening Day rotation with the Dodgers.
Why this matters: keeping Ohtani in the leadoff spot sustains a high-velocity start to plate appearances, giving the Dodgers a sustained advantage at the top of the lineup. It also signals a strategic focus on maintaining his health and workload balance as he refines his pitching presence for the regular season.
Controversial angle to consider: some fans and analysts wonder if a dedicated DH role might better preserve Ohtani’s pitching readiness, while others argue that his leadoff impact outweighs any marginal fatigue risk. What’s your take: should Ohtani be valued primarily for his bat, or should the team lean more on his pitching as the season progresses? Share your thoughts below.
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