Dodgers Star Sends Shohei Ohtani Related Warning to Rest of MLB

The Los Angeles Dodgers are the heavy favorites to win the World Series again this season on the backs of the multiple superstars on the roster. But none are bigger than two-way star Shohei Ohtani, who continues to do the unthinkable every season.

Ohtani has now won back-to-back MVP awards in the National League, marking the third and fourth wins of his career. But it seems that Ohtani could be getting even better in one aspect of his game.

Dodgers star catcher Will Smith believes that Ohtani may be better than he has been on the mound. In his first start this season, Ohtani fired six shutout innings against the Cleveland Guardians, allowing one hit and striking out six batters.

“I only think he’s getting a little better,” Smith said of Ohtani’s pitching.

The idea of Ohtani getting better, even on the mound, should scare the rest of baseball, especially because the right-handed pitcher was excellent last season. In 14 starts for the Dodgers coming back from Tommy John surgery, Ohtani put up an ERA of 2.87 over 47 innings of work.

Most pitchers would easily take this type of production on the mound, but Ohtani isn't a typical player. The Dodgers star is one of the best competitors in sports today, and there is room for him to keep growing.

Smith isn't the only star on the Dodgers who believes that Ohtani could be better than he has been in previous years. Veteran Max Muncy is looking forward to seeing Ohtani go after the Cy Young award this season.

“I expect nothing short of almost a Cy Young out of him,” Muncy said.

Before the year started, Ohtani said that his goal for the year was to win the Cy Young award in the National League. While it's still very early in the year, his first outing could make for a great season.

If Ohtani can make enough starts throughout the year, the award could be well within his reach. But the Dodgers are also going to be very careful with him as they look to avoid any unnecessary injuries taking place.

Los Angeles is all-in on going after another World Series title this season, and having Ohtani playing to his two-way capabilities will be key. While Ohtani wants to win individual awards, his mindset is on helping the team win at the highest level possible.

But if there is any player who could go after both the MVP and Cy Young, it's Ohtani. The Dodgers star never ceases to amaze, and if he can capture this goal, it will only add to his already incredible legacy in baseball.