Spring Training 2026 has officially arrived, and the terrifying reality for the rest of the MLB is setting in: the Los Angeles Dodgers might actually be better than the squad that just won back-to-back World Series titles. With pitchers and catchers reporting to Camelback Ranch, the buzz isn’t just about defending a championship—it’s about cementing a dynasty.
The Return of the Two-Way King
The biggest storyline shaking up Glendale is the full unleashing of Shohei Ohtani. After a 2025 season where he dominated solely as a designated hitter while recovering from elbow surgery, Ohtani is officially back on the mound. Manager Dave Roberts has confirmed Ohtani will be in the starting rotation, with eyes set on a potential Cy Young award to add to his crowded trophy case. While he won’t be pitching for Team Japan in the upcoming 2026 World Baseball Classic (he will strictly DH there), his return to two-way dominance for the Dodgers signals a nightmare scenario for National League hitters.
The Ace and the MVP
While Ohtani grabs headlines, Yoshinobu Yamamoto is quietly entering his prime. Fresh off a legendary performance that earned him the 2025 World Series MVP, Yamamoto has been tapped to start the Cactus League opener against the Angels on February 21, 2026. His confidence is at an all-time high, and he’s expected to lead the rotation alongside Ohtani and Tyler Glasnow. The synergy between Ohtani and Yamamoto—both of whom will briefly depart camp to represent Japan in the WBC—has created a pitching culture that is seemingly unmatched in modern baseball.
Depth That Demoralizes
As if the star power wasn’t enough, the Dodgers solidified their depth with the emotional return of fan-favorite Kike Hernández, who announced via Instagram that he is running it back for the 2026 campaign. Combined with Mookie Betts committing long-term to shortstop and looking like an MVP frontrunner, the roster has zero holes.
The Impact
The “Three-Peat” is the rarest feat in professional sports, but if any team is built to break the curse, it’s this one. The 2026 Dodgers aren’t just playing to win; they are playing to become the greatest team in the history of the sport. With the World Baseball Classic serving as a high-octane warm-up for their biggest stars, the team will hit Opening Day in mid-season form. The rest of the league is effectively playing for second place.
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