Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani predicted have another ridiculous homer season

The Los Angeles Dodgers have won the last two World Series titles, and it's no coincidence that both of those wins have come after Shohei Ohtani signed with the team over the 2024 offseason.

He's been one of the best players in MLB history in his career already, and for the Dodgers, even though he's mainly been a hitter-only player, he's been one of the best in baseball these past two seasons.

Entering the 2026 MLB season, MLB.com's Manny Randhawa shared that, of 57 MLB.com staff members, Ohtani was the surprise runaway favorite predicted to lead the National League in home runs.

Shohei Ohtani predicted to lead NL in home runs

"This race was a runaway win for Ohtani, which is mildly surprising given that Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber led the league with 56 homers last season," Randhawa writes.

But, despite Kyle Schwarber, a fantastic power-hitter for the Philadelphia Phillies, leading the NL in home runs last season, Ohtani is predicted to outpace Schwarber this season and finish with the most homers in the NL.

It wouldn't be a surprise whatsoever. Ohtani has hit 233 home runs in the last five seasons, and in 2025, he hit a career-high 55 home runs.

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He's steadily improved his home run total over the last four seasons, hitting 34 in 2022, 44 in 2023, 54 in 2024, and then his 55 homers this past season.

The two-way superstar is drawing a lot of attention for his pitching this upcoming season, as it will be his first full year ready to pitch in the rotation for the Dodgers.

He made his debut last season, but this year will be the first time he's able to pitch more consistently for Los Angeles.

However, that doesn't mean his hitting prowess will disappear. He has a chance to put up another incredible year at the plate, and the majority of MLB.com staff members believe that to be what's in store for Ohtani this upcoming season when it comes to home runs.

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