Shohei Ohtani, the dynamic force in Major League Baseball and current holder of a record-setting $700 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, is navigating an off-season that combines recovery and anticipation. The two-way sensation underwent elbow surgery in the fall of 2023, accompanied by a procedure on his non-pitching shoulder. These medical updates have led to strategic planning for his return, with his hitting prowess expected to grace the field at the start of the 2025 season, albeit with a more calculated approach to his pitching duties.
Ohtani, now 30, has cemented his status as a modern baseball icon, having secured his third MVP title in four years last season. His performance included a stunning .310 batting average, bolstered by a .390 on-base percentage and an impressive .646 slugging percentage. Demonstrating an unmatched combination of power and speed, Ohtani hit 38 doubles, seven triples, and blasted 54 home runs, complemented by 130 RBIs and 134 runs. His 59 stolen bases last season marked a milestone, as he became the first player in history to achieve a 50-50 season while predominantly serving as a designated hitter, undoubtedly contributing to his MVP accolades.
Manager Dave Roberts has indicated the Dodgers will adopt a "nimble" approach concerning Ohtani's pitching workload. While the team successfully claimed the previous season's World Series with only three starting pitchers, their strategy now incorporates a deliberate plan to manage Ohtani's innings. The Dodgers' blueprint envisions him pitching approximately 150 innings for the 2025 regular season. However, it is "unlikely" Ohtani will take the mound during the Dodgers' opening series in Japan on March 18 and 19, 2025. The Dodgers expect him to focus on his offensive contributions initially, given the ongoing recovery process from his surgeries.
Ohtani's multidimensional game was pivotal to his remarkable 2023 pitching record, where he posted a 10-5 record with a 3.14 ERA, a 1.06 WHIP, and 167 strikeouts in just 132 innings. Such numbers not only underline his impact from the pitching mound but also accentuate the depth he adds to any pitching roster. The Dodgers' 2025 rotation is set to feature elite talents like Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and Blake Snell. Returning pitchers Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May are also anticipated to deepen the rotation further, offering factors of stability and versatility.
Given these plans, the emphasis on Ohtani's readiness to hit at the 2025 season's start sets the stage for an intriguing season. The Dodgers, with Ohtani's versatility in focus, anticipate his offensive skills will significantly contribute to maintaining their competitive edge. His track record suggests he will once again assume a critical role, providing leadership and performance that galvanize and inspire his teammates.
Ohtani's story continues to captivate baseball fans around the globe. His journey back onto the field, especially within the framework of his extraordinary capabilities both at the plate and on the mound, remains a narrative watched with keen interest. With his dual-threat value, the intersection of recovery and high expectations sets the scene for what promises to be another compelling chapter in Ohtani's storied career.