As the dust settles from another triumphant season for the Los Angeles Dodgers, attention turns to Shohei Ohtani, the standout star who continues to etch his name into the annals of baseball history. Fresh off securing his third MVP title in four years, Ohtani, who recently underwent elbow surgery and an additional procedure on his non-pitching shoulder, remains a pivotal figure in the Dodgers’ narrative heading into the 2025 season.
The 30-year-old phenom is eagerly anticipated to hit the ground running at the start of 2025, although his pitching duties might not commence until later. Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts was candid about the situation, stating, “It’s ‘unlikely’ that Ohtani will pitch during the Dodgers' opening series in Japan.” The Dodgers’ season opener, scheduled for March 18 and 19 in Japan, thus appears set to proceed without Ohtani on the mound. However, Roberts emphasized a strategic approach to Ohtani’s workload, noting the team will be "nimble" as they manage his innings.
Rising from a Stellar Season
Looking back at his extraordinary performance last year, Ohtani’s numbers speak volumes. His .310 batting average, .390 on-base percentage, and .646 slugging percentage underscore a season where he not only shattered records but also set new benchmarks. His 38 doubles, seven triples, and remarkable 54 home runs were critical to his offensive output, which also saw him drive in 130 RBIs and score 134 runs.
Additionally, Ohtani showcased his speed with 59 stolen bases, which, coupled with a 9.2 WAR, cemented his status as a formidable force. Notably, he became the first player to achieve a 50-50 season while earning MVP honors primarily as a designated hitter, a testament to his dual-threat capability.
A Shifting Spotlight on the Mound
While his hitting prowess is undeniable, Ohtani’s position as a pitcher will be cautiously curated by the Dodgers. His 2023 pitching record featured a 10-5 tally with a 3.14 ERA, a 1.06 WHIP, and 167 strikeouts over 132 innings—impressive stats that any major league pitcher would envy. The team, however, is mindful of his recovery and plans for his pitching workload to hover around the 150-inning mark for the regular season.
The Dodgers' 2025 rotation promises depth and quality, even if Ohtani’s return to pitching is postponed. With the likes of Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and Blake Snell spearheading the rotation, the Dodgers are well-equipped to handle the challenges of a long season. Furthermore, the return of Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May adds layers to an already robust pitching lineup. The team’s success in the previous World Series with just three starting pitchers attests to their strategic prowess and adaptability—a narrative that Ohtani continues to enhance.
Eyes on the Future
Ohtani’s integration into the Dodgers has also made headlines beyond the field, with his substantial $700 million deal underscoring the franchise’s faith in his unparalleled abilities. As both player and team gear up for the forthcoming season, the arrangement symbolizes a mutual commitment to pushing the boundaries of the sport.
As March 2025 approaches, the baseball world watches in anticipation of Ohtani’s return to the batter’s box and eventual resurgence on the mound. While the Dodgers exercise caution with his workload, fans and pundits alike expect that he will continue to redefine excellence in the sport. Ohtani's journey with the Dodgers embodies both the weight of expectation and the thrill of potential, promising another chapter in what is shaping up to be a storied career.