If you’ve been living under a rock—or maybe just haven't checked a box score since 2023—you might still picture the unicorn of baseball in a halo. But the answer to what team is shohei ohtani on has changed the entire landscape of professional sports.
He's a Dodger. Specifically, a Los Angeles Dodger.
And honestly? He isn’t just "on the team." He is the team in a lot of ways. After that massive $700 million contract shook the world back in late 2023, Ohtani didn't just show up to cash checks. He’s been busy rewriting history in Chavez Ravine, and as we head into the 2026 season, the narrative has shifted from "Can he do it?" to "How much more can he actually win?"
The $700 Million Elephant in the Room
Most people know Ohtani left the Angels for their cross-town rivals, but the "how" is still kinda wild to think about. He signed a 10-year deal worth $700 million. It’s the kind of money that makes your head spin. But here’s the kicker: he’s only actually taking home $2 million a year right now.
He deferred $680 million of it.
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Basically, he told the Dodgers, "Keep the money for now so you can go out and buy me a better team." It’s a move that allowed the front office to snag guys like Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tyler Glasnow, and more recently, the addition of Kyle Tucker on a four-year, $240 million deal. By taking a tiny salary now, Ohtani essentially built his own super-team. It’s selfless, sure, but it’s also a calculated play for rings.
And it worked. The Dodgers are coming off back-to-back World Series titles (2024 and 2025).
What’s different for Ohtani in 2026?
If you're asking what team is shohei ohtani on because you want to see him pitch, 2026 is your year.
For the last couple of seasons, we mostly saw "Hitter Ohtani." After that second major elbow surgery, he spent 2024 purely as a designated hitter. He still managed to create the 50/50 club that year, which was insane. In 2025, we saw him slowly get back on the mound, throwing 47 innings with a 2.87 ERA. He even pitched in the postseason, including a gutsy performance on short rest in Game 7 of the World Series.
But 2026? This is the full return of the Two-Way Beast.
Manager Dave Roberts has already hinted that the plan is to use Ohtani as a "regular" starter. Now, "regular" in Dodger-speak usually means a six-man rotation or giving him extra rest days, but he’s expected to be a pillar of what some are calling the greatest rotation ever assembled. Imagine a lineup that features:
- Shohei Ohtani (The Ace/DH hybrid)
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto (The 2025 World Series MVP)
- Blake Snell
- Tyler Glasnow
- Roki Sasaki (The Japanese phenom who debuted last year)
It’s almost unfair. If you’re a fan of any other team in the NL West, you’re probably just hoping for a miracle at this point.
The 2026 World Baseball Classic Twist
While he’s firmly a Los Angeles Dodger for the next eight years, Ohtani just confirmed he’s suiting up for another team this March: Team Japan.
He’s returning to the World Baseball Classic to defend the title. Remember that 2023 finale where he struck out Mike Trout? That’s the energy he’s bringing back. The Dodgers are reportedly "nervous" about it—who wouldn't be when your $700 million investment is throwing 101 mph in March?—but they can't really stop him. He’s the reigning WBC MVP, and for him, representing Japan is just as big as wearing the Dodger blue.
Why it matters where he plays
When you ask what team is shohei ohtani on, you aren't just looking for a jersey color. You're looking at the epicenter of baseball culture.
Moving from the Angels to the Dodgers changed his visibility. The Angels are a great franchise, but the Dodgers are a global brand. Since Ohtani joined, Dodger Stadium has basically become a Japanese tourist landmark. There are new sponsorship deals with brands like Beats by Dr. Dre and various Japanese airlines that have turned the stadium into a marketing powerhouse.
Plus, there’s the pressure. In Anaheim, if Ohtani hit two homers and the team lost 8-2, it was just another Tuesday. In Los Angeles, anything less than a deep October run is a disaster. He’s thrived under that. He won his fourth MVP in five years in 2025. Think about that for a second. The guy is putting up video game numbers while recovering from surgery.
Surprising Details of the 2026 Outlook
- Velocity is up: Despite the surgeries, Ohtani’s fastball averaged 98.4 mph in his limited 2025 innings. He’s actually throwing harder now than he did in 2023.
- The New Windup: He’s ditched the "pitching from the stretch only" approach. In 2025, he introduced a full windup for the first time in his MLB career, and his "run value" with the bases empty shot through the roof.
- Tax Strategy: Part of the reason for his deferred contract is actually a tax play. By receiving the bulk of his money after 2033, he might be able to avoid California’s high state income tax if he moves elsewhere after retirement.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're trying to keep up with Ohtani this season, here is what you actually need to do:
- Check the Six-Day Window: Don't expect Ohtani to pitch every five days. The Dodgers are likely to give him 6 or 7 days of rest between starts to keep his arm fresh for the playoffs.
- Watch the WBC in March: This will be the first high-stakes look at Ohtani's pitching in 2026. It’s a preview of how the Dodgers will use him.
- Monitor the "Triple Crown" Watch: With his pitching back to 100% and his hitting as dangerous as ever, there’s a real chance he chases a Cy Young and an MVP in the same year. It sounds impossible, but this is Ohtani we're talking about.
- Get Tickets Early: "Shohei Day" (whenever he pitches) is the hardest ticket to get in sports right now. If you're planning a trip to Dodger Stadium, look at the probable starters at least a week in advance.
Ohtani isn't just on the Dodgers; he has redefined what it means to be a professional athlete in the modern era. Whether he's hitting 55 home runs or striking out 10 batters a game, he’s doing it in a Dodgers uniform for a long, long time.