Shohei Ohtani Voted as Best Pitcher in MLB

TL;DR

Shohei Ohtani has been voted as the best starting pitcher in MLB, moving up from seventh place. He currently holds an MLB-low 0.97 ERA after six starts.

Key points

Shohei Ohtani ranked as No. 1 in MLB starting pitcher power rankings
Moved up from seventh place
Holds an MLB-low 0.97 ERA after six starts
Has not allowed more than two earned runs in any outing
Tarik Skubal's injury contributed to Ohtani's ranking increase

Shohei OhtaniLos Angeles DodgersTarik Skubal

May 5, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani (17) walks in the dugout prior to the game against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

MLB.com’s voting panel ranked Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani as No. 1 in their starting pitcher power rankings.

Ohtani previously ranked seventh in the rankings, and moved up six spots following Tarik Skubal’s move to the injured list with loose bodies in their elbow.

“Ohtani might have a pedestrian (for him) .814 OPS at the plate, but on the mound? He’s never been better,” MLB.com’s Andrew Simon wrote. “Through six starts, he sports an MLB-low 0.97 ERA, having yet to allow more than two earned runs or five hits in any outing.

“Opponents are batting .160 with a .489 OPS against Ohtani, who could make a charge at the Cy Young Award, one of the few achievements to elude his grasp so far. The only strange thing about Ohtani’s season? The Dodgers are just 2-4 in his outings, scoring a total of five runs in the losses, including Tuesday’s at Houston.”