So, you’re looking for a straight answer. It’s early 2026, and the baseball world is still basically Ohtani’s backyard. If you just want the quick version: Shohei Ohtani plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
But honestly? That’s only half the story right now.
If you’ve seen him wearing a different jersey lately or heard chatter about him "switching" teams, you aren't imagining things. Between his massive MLB contract and the upcoming international schedule, where he physically stands on a diamond depends entirely on the month you’re asking.
The $700 Million Anchor in Los Angeles
Ohtani is currently in the third year of that mind-boggling 10-year, $700 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
You've probably heard about the "deferred money" thing. It’s wild. He’s basically playing for $2 million a year right now so the Dodgers can afford to surround him with guys like Yoshinobu Yamamoto and (more recently) rumors of even more star power. The bulk of his $700 million doesn't even start hitting his bank account until 2034. It's a "team-first" move that basically broke the internet and the MLB financial handbooks at the same time.
He isn't going anywhere. He’s the face of the franchise.
After a 2024 season where he couldn't pitch and just decided to become the first 50/50 player in history—hitting 54 home runs and stealing 59 bases—he actually started pitching again in mid-2025. Now, in 2026, he’s finally back to being a "full" two-way player for the Dodgers.
The "Samurai Japan" Twist in 2026
Here is where it gets slightly confusing for casual fans. This March, Ohtani is temporarily "leaving" the Dodgers.
He officially announced he will play for Japan in the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC).
Remember 2023? That iconic strikeout of Mike Trout? Japan is the defending champion, and Ohtani is the heart of that roster. For a few weeks this spring, he won't be in Dodger Blue. He’ll be wearing the "Samurai Japan" pinstripes.
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- Primary Team: Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)
- National Team: Team Japan (World Baseball Classic)
- Role: Starting Pitcher and Designated Hitter
It’s a massive deal for the sport. Japan’s manager, Hideki Kuriyama, has already been talking about Ohtani being the literal "dream" player for their national development. There’s even talk he might bat second in the lineup for Japan, a slight tweak from his usual leadoff spot in LA.
Why Everyone Is Still Talking About Him
It’s not just about the uniform. People are obsessed with how he’s playing for the Dodgers this year.
Last season (2025) was a bridge year. He returned to the mound on June 17th and threw 14 games with a 2.87 ERA. That’s elite. But 2026 is the real test. This is the first year since his surgery that he’s expected to start the season in the rotation and in the batter's box from Day 1.
The Dodgers' rotation is looking like a video game cheat code:
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- Yamamoto (the 2025 World Series MVP)
- Ohtani
- Tyler Glasnow
- Blake Snell
Think about that. You’ve got a guy who could win the Cy Young (pitching's top trophy) and the MVP (hitting's top trophy) in the same season. Some experts, like Alden Gonzalez at ESPN, are already betting on him to dominate the National League as a pitcher this year because he's finally "full go."
What Most People Get Wrong
A lot of people think Ohtani "left" the Angels because he wanted more money.
Actually, the Angels would have paid him. He left because he wanted to win. He spent years in Anaheim without a single playoff appearance. Then he joins the Dodgers and—boom—back-to-back World Series appearances.
There's also a common misconception that he's "just" a DH who pitches. In reality, the Dodgers have to manage him like a fragile piece of fine china. Because he plays for them in both capacities, his schedule is different. He usually gets a "six-man rotation" treatment, meaning he pitches every sixth day instead of the standard five. This keeps his arm from falling off while he's busy hitting 450-foot nukes into the bleachers.
How to Watch Him This Season
If you want to catch him in action, here is the breakdown of where he'll be:
- March 2026: Watch the World Baseball Classic on Fox or Netflix (depending on your region). He’ll be playing for Japan.
- April – October 2026: He’ll be at Dodger Stadium or on the road with the LA Dodgers.
- The "Ohtani Tax": Be prepared. Tickets for games where he is scheduled to pitch are significantly more expensive than "hitting-only" days.
The "Ohtani Effect" is a real thing. Since he joined the Dodgers, Japanese tourism to Los Angeles has spiked by nearly 90%. You’ll see Japanese ads all over the stadium walls—everything from airlines to skincare brands.
What’s Next?
Keep an eye on the injury reports during the WBC in March. Playing for your country is high-intensity, and Dodgers fans are always a little nervous when their $700 million man is throwing 101 MPH for someone else.
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If he stays healthy through the spring, 2026 might be the year Ohtani finally does the unthinkable: winning a Cy Young and an MVP at the same time. Whether he’s in the white and blue of the Dodgers or the dark navy of Japan, he’s the only person on the planet doing what he does.
Check the Dodgers' official rotation schedule about 5 days in advance if you're planning to buy tickets. That's usually when they confirm if he's taking the mound.