Shohei Ohtani: A New Chapter with the Dodgers
Shohei Ohtani is no stranger to overcoming challenges, and the 2025 season will be yet another testament to his resilience and remarkable talent. After undergoing elbow surgery and an additional procedure on his non-pitching shoulder in the fall of 2023, the two-way superstar is poised to make a comeback with the Los Angeles Dodgers. While Ohtani might not take the mound immediately, his presence is eagerly anticipated when the season kicks off.
The Road to Recovery
At 30, Ohtani continues to defy conventional limitations, blending power and versatility like few players before him. The Dodgers are cautiously optimistic as Ohtani progresses in his recovery. Team manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the team's strategic approach, stating, “The team will be ‘nimble’ with Ohtani's pitching workload.” This reflects a penchant for flexibility, ensuring Ohtani transitions smoothly back into pitching without unnecessary pressure.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his pitching role in the early games, particularly for the opening series in Japan on March 18 and 19, 2025, where it's "unlikely" he'll pitch, the Dodgers and Ohtani have their sights set on a long-term plan. By pacing his return to the mound, they're hopeful to see him at full strength as the season advances.
Ohtani's Bat Remains a Force
While the Dodgers may exercise caution with Ohtani's pitching, his prowess with the bat remains unquestioned. Ohtani is expected to be ready to hit at the start of the 2025 season, and his previous year’s performance set a high bar. In 2024, he hit .310, with an on-base percentage of .390 and a slugging percentage of .646. He totaled an impressive 38 doubles, seven triples, and 54 home runs, alongside 130 RBIs and 134 runs.
Furthermore, Ohtani made history by achieving a 50-50 season, a feat unprecedented for a player who secured MVP honors primarily as a designated hitter. His 2024 accomplishments also include stealing 59 bases and posting a staggering 9.2 WAR.
The Dodgers’ Strategic Maneuvering
The Dodgers, fresh from a World Series victory achieved remarkably with only three starting pitchers, have aimed to strengthen their rotation for 2025. The inclusion of pitchers such as Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and Blake Snell keeps their roster formidable, and with returning talents Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May, the depth of their bullpen appears promising.
While planning for Ohtani's pitching workload to hit the 150-inning mark, the Dodgers are set on a balanced approach. This strategy not only ensures that Ohtani remains healthy throughout the rigorous regular season but also helps preserve his extraordinary dual-threat capability.
Ohtani's new $700 million deal with the Dodgers underscores the team’s commitment to build its future around his generational talent. His pitching stats from 2023—10-5 record, 3.14 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, and 167 strikeouts over 132 innings—hint at the impact he can have on the mound when fully fit.
Looking Forward
Ohtani’s participation in MLB has captivated fans and left a significant mark on the sport, blending his roots from Japan with the global stage of baseball. As he nears his return, expectations are stratospheric from both the Dodgers and baseball aficionados worldwide. The development of his role in the team—primarily as a hitter to start and potentially reclaiming his position as a formidable pitcher—will be followed closely.
The upcoming season promises to be a pivotal chapter in Shohei Ohtani's illustrious career, with the Dodgers well-equipped to support his ambitions and tap into his unprecedented potential. With the baseball world waiting in anticipation, Ohtani's journey with the Dodgers is set to be one of persistence, strategy, and, undoubtedly, extraordinary performances.