The Los Angeles Dodgers will continue to build their lineup around superstar Shohei Ohtani at the top of the order. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed that the reigning four-time MVP is expected to remain the club’s primary leadoff hitter throughout the 2026 season.

According to Katie Woo of The Athletic, the decision reflects both Ohtani’s offensive production and the Dodgers’ comfort with his unique two-way workload.

Even as Ohtani prepares to return to a full season on the mound for the first time since 2023, the organization does not plan to alter his everyday role as the designated hitter or his spot atop the batting order.

Ohtani delivered one of the most powerful offensive seasons of his career in 2025, launching a career-best 55 home runs while appearing in the leadoff spot for the overwhelming majority of his starts.

His combination of power, speed, and on-base ability made him an unconventional yet highly effective table-setter for a deep Dodgers lineup.

The club believes that maintaining lineup continuity will help maximize production while allowing Ohtani to balance both pitching and hitting responsibilities.

Further reporting from Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic indicates that Ohtani is scheduled to begin Cactus League play as a DH to gradually build his timing at the plate.

These early spring at-bats are part of a measured progression designed to prepare him for the regular season while he simultaneously increases his throwing workload.

Ohtani is also expected to participate offensively for Team Japan in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Roberts has stated that the organization does not plan for him to pitch during the tournament.

Instead, his pitching development will continue through bullpen sessions and controlled live batting practice during spring training.

The Dodgers’ approach underscores their long-term investment in keeping Ohtani healthy while still leveraging his elite offensive impact.

By maintaining him in the leadoff role, Los Angeles preserves a lineup structure that proved highly productive last season while allowing the two-way star to reestablish himself as a frontline starter.

The report was initially noted by CBS Sports, further reinforcing that the Dodgers are prioritizing consistency as Ohtani enters another historic dual-role campaign.

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