Shohei Ohtani's remarkable journey in Major League Baseball continues to captivate fans and analysts alike, as the star player recovers from multiple surgeries and prepares for the upcoming 2025 season. Managed by a team of top medical professionals, Ohtani underwent elbow surgery in the fall of 2023, along with a procedure on his non-pitching shoulder. Despite these setbacks, the Los Angeles Dodgers are preparing for another thrilling season with Ohtani as a central figure, both at the plate and potentially on the mound.
Ohtani's Impressive Track Record
At the age of 30, Ohtani is already a three-time MVP. His accolades include last season's stellar performance, where he secured his third MVP title in four years. His offensive statistics were nothing short of extraordinary, boasting a .310 batting average, a .390 on-base percentage, and a .646 slugging percentage. Ohtani hit 38 doubles, seven triples, and an impressive 54 home runs, driving in 130 runs while crossing the plate 134 times himself. Not only a power hitter, Ohtani also showcased his speed by stealing 59 bases, culminating in an unprecedented 50-50 season, as he earned MVP honors primarily as a designated hitter.
A Calculated Pitching Strategy
As the Dodgers gear up for the 2025 season, they are taking a cautious approach to Ohtani's contribution on the mound. "The team will be 'nimble' with Ohtani's pitching workload," stated Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts. This strategy is influenced by the recovery from his recent surgeries, with Roberts acknowledging that it's "unlikely" Ohtani will pitch during the Dodgers' opening series in Japan on March 18 and 19, 2025.
While the Dodgers are not expecting Ohtani to take the mound straight away, they have set a projected pitching workload of around 150 innings for the regular season. This careful management will allow Ohtani to gradually reintegrate into a position where he has been as impactful as he has been with his bat. In 2023, his pitching stats were commendable with a 10-5 record, a 3.14 ERA, a 1.06 WHIP, and 167 strikeouts over 132 innings.
Strengthened Squad for Another Banner Year
The Los Angeles Dodgers are not relying solely on Ohtani's talents as they look to defend their title. The team won the World Series last year with only three starting pitchers, showcasing exceptional depth and strategic flexibility. The Dodgers' rotation for 2025 is robust, featuring new additions like Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and Blake Snell. Moreover, returning pitchers Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May are anticipated to enhance the rotation's depth, providing further stability and options for the team.
A Highly Anticipated Comeback
While Ohtani's participation on the mound might be limited at the season's start, he is expected to be ready to hit at the outset. His return as a hitter will undoubtedly boost the Dodgers' offense, continuing to build on his legacy as one of the most versatile and exciting players in modern baseball. Ohtani's $700 million deal with the Dodgers reflects not only his past achievements but also the high expectations placed on him for future success.
The baseball world will be watching closely as Shohei Ohtani makes his anticipated return to the game. His presence promises to add a layer of excitement and competitiveness that fans have come to expect from the league's elite. As he works towards full recovery and potential pitching duties later in the season, Ohtani's story remains one of the most compelling narratives in the sport.