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Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers' two-way sensation, wasted no time looking ahead following the team's thrilling 5-4, 11-inning victory over the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 7 of the World Series.
"I'm ready to get another ring next year," Ohtani declared, underscoring his determination to help Los Angeles pursue a rare three-peat.
The Dodgers' triumph marked back-to-back championships, making them the first team to repeat as World Series champions since the 1998-2000 New York Yankees.
It also highlighted the club's dominance in baseball's current era, fueled by a record-setting payroll exceeding $509 million for the 2025 roster, including luxury tax obligations and international signings.
The two World Series-winning rosters alone account for nearly $890 million in spending, intensifying ongoing conversations about baseball's growing payroll disparity and the potential for a salary-cap proposal in forthcoming labor negotiations.
Ohtani: A global attraction
Ohtani's standout season, marked by his unprecedented two-way contributions as a pitcher and hitter, reinforced his growing reputation as one of the sport's all-time greats.
His performances captivated fans globally, attracting more international attention to Major League Baseball than any recent season.
Commissioner Rob Manfred called Ohtani's impact "the greatest benefit to the game that you can imagine throughout the year," highlighting the global appeal the Japanese star has generated.
The postseason itself was historic, featuring seven winner-take-all games - two more than any previous year - and showcasing the competitiveness of both the Dodgers and the Blue Jays.
Toronto's performance sparked nationwide interest in Canada, while Los Angeles affirmed its status as baseball's premier franchise.
Freddie Freeman, a key contributor to the Dodgers' consecutive titles, echoed Ohtani's forward-looking mindset, citing the Yankees' dynastic three-peat as a benchmark for next season.
"The Yankees are three-time back-to-back, so we get to use that same narrative next year," Freeman said.
Baseball's reach and future challenges
The World Series spotlight on stars like Ohtani also coincides with growing international initiatives.
Top American players, including Aaron Judge, Bobby Witt Jr., Paul Skenes, and Cal Raleigh, have already committed to competing in next year's World Baseball Classic, reflecting increasing global interest in elite baseball competitions.
MLB is also negotiating to allow major league players to participate in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics during an extended All-Star break.
Players' union head Tony Clark emphasized widespread enthusiasm for international competition: "Players are interested in playing, whether it's for Team USA or any number of other teams around the world."
While excitement builds for another championship run, the league faces potential labor disputes. The current collective bargaining agreement expires on December 2, 2026, and owners have expressed interest in a salary cap.
This issue, which helped trigger the 1994-95 strike and led to the first World Series cancellation in 90 years, will be a central focus of negotiations this winter and spring.
As the Dodgers prepare for the 2026 season, Ohtani's statement encapsulates the team's ambition: to capitalize on their recent success, pursue another championship, and continue building a global following for Major League Baseball.
With his two-way dominance and the roster's depth, Los Angeles enters next season poised to challenge baseball history once again.