Shohei Ohtani Had 2 Words for Fans After Dodgers Elimination

Shohei Ohtani shared a brief message as Los Angeles began its offseason.

by Pardon Joshua

Oct 20, 2026

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17)

Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Shohei Ohtani had a brief message for Los Angeles Dodgers fans after the team was eliminated from the 2026 MLB postseason. The superstar shared a season highlight video on Instagram following Milwaukee’s four-game sweep of Los Angeles in the National League Championship Series.

Ohtani kept his message simple, using two words in the caption: “Thank you.” The post also featured his dog, Decoy, as the Dodgers began their offseason earlier than expected.

The message followed a difficult end to a season in which Los Angeles had hoped to win its third consecutive World Series title. Instead, the Dodgers fell to the Milwaukee Brewers in four games, with their season ending in a 6-4 loss at Dodger Stadium on Oct. 15.

The result was particularly disappointing after the Dodgers finished the regular season with a 100-62 record and won the National League West. Milwaukee finished ahead of Los Angeles with a 103-59 record, securing the National League’s best mark and home-field advantage through the league playoffs.

The Brewers also reversed the outcome of the previous postseason, when the Dodgers swept Milwaukee in the 2025 NLCS before going on to win the World Series. This time, Milwaukee won all four games to reach the Fall Classic for the first time since 1982. The Dodgers’ bid for a third straight championship ended with the series defeat.

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani (17)

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Ohtani’s season included both offensive and pitching responsibilities. He finished the regular season with a .275 batting average, 30 home runs and 81 RBIs across 135 games. On the mound, he made 14 starts and recorded a 1.79 ERA over 85 2/3 innings.

However, injuries and a late-season loss of offensive production complicated his final stretch. Ohtani struggled to regain his usual power at the plate and did not hit a home run for an extended period before the postseason. He managed a three-run homer in Game 4 against Milwaukee, briefly giving Los Angeles a four-run lead, but the Brewers rallied to complete the sweep.

Now, Ohtani and the Dodgers must turn their attention to the offseason. His short message offered no details about his plans or recovery, but it marked a public acknowledgment of the fans following the team’s elimination. Los Angeles will have to regroup after falling short of its championship goal, while Ohtani prepares for another season in a Dodgers uniform.