Shohei Ohtani's remarkable career trajectory with the Los Angeles Dodgers is poised to continue its upward climb, as he recovers from significant surgeries. Ohtani, at 30 years old, underwent elbow surgery in the fall of 2023 along with a procedure on his non-pitching shoulder, sparking discussions about his future contributions to the team both on the mound and at the plate. While the Dodgers do not expect him to pitch during the opening series in Japan in March 2025, he is due to be ready to make his presence felt as a hitter from the start of the season.
Ohtani's Hitting Prowess Remains Unmatched
Ohtani's 2024 season was a testament to his incredible prowess as a hitter, earning him his third MVP title in four years. He finished with a .310 batting average, a .390 on-base percentage, and a .646 slugging percentage. Last year, Ohtani proved his dominance by leading the league with 38 doubles, seven triples, and an impressive 54 home runs. His offensive achievements included driving in 130 RBIs and scoring 134 runs, alongside stealing 59 bases—accomplishments that underscore his exceptional versatility on the field. Ohtani also made history by becoming the first player ever to achieve a 50-50 season while primarily earning MVP honors as a designated hitter.
Dodgers Express Optimism for 2025 Season
Looking to the future, the Dodgers have laid out a robust plan to ensure Ohtani's talents are maximized. While Manager Dave Roberts stated it is "unlikely" that Ohtani will pitch during the team's opening series in Japan, the expectation is that he will return to the mound in a more controlled capacity. "The team will be 'nimble' with Ohtani's pitching workload," Roberts emphasized. The target for Ohtani’s pitching workload stands around the 150-inning mark for the regular season, allowing the Dodgers to calibrate his contributions carefully.
A Powerhouse Rotation
The Dodgers' rotation for the upcoming 2025 season is shaping up to be formidable. It includes the likes of Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and Blake Snell. Adding depth to this lineup, the return of pitchers Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May is anticipated to further strengthen the rotation. This comes on the heels of the Dodgers winning the World Series with only three starting pitchers, a testament to their strategic acumen and depth in talent.
Ohtani’s past pitching record bolsters confidence for his future role. In 2023, he posted a 10-5 record with a 3.14 ERA, a 1.06 WHIP, and achieved 167 strikeouts over 132 innings. These numbers reflect a pitcher of immense ability, poised to reintegrate into a rotation structured with skill and resilience.
A $700 Million Statement
Ohtani's record-breaking $700 million deal with the Dodgers underscores the franchise’s commitment to securing elite talent for the long haul. This investment highlights their belief in Ohtani's continued rise as both a player and a central figure in their quest for maintaining competitive dominance. His dual talent capability continues to redefine the roles of traditional baseball players and affirms his status as a generational icon.
The 2025 season promises to further the narrative of Ohtani’s storied career while adding a new chapter to the Dodgers’ storied history. With careful management of his recovery and a strategic approach to his multidimensional skill set, the anticipation is palpable as fans and analysts alike wait to witness Shohei Ohtani’s return to action.