Shohei Ohtani and Dodgers Earn 2026 ESPY Nominations as Player Eyes MVP Record

Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers have been nominated for the 2026 ESPY Awards. Ohtani is up for Best MLB Player (his sixth consecutive nomination), Best Athlete in Men’s Sports, and Best Single Game Performance for his six‑scoreless‑inning, 10‑strikeout, three‑home‑run showing in Game 4 of the NLCS. The Dodgers are also nominated for Best Team after winning a second straight World Series.

In parallel, ESPN analysts discussed the possibility that Ohtani could surpass Barry Bonds’ record of seven MVP awards, noting that voter fatigue could arise if another player—such as an Aaron Judge‑type contender—posts a historic season. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, after Ohtani’s 300th career home run, said he expects the star to eventually reach 500, underscoring Ohtani’s continued dominance as a two‑way player.