As Shohei Ohtani steps into the 2025 season, the baseball world watches with anticipation. The Los Angeles Dodgers' superstar, who recently underwent elbow surgery along with a procedure on his non-pitching shoulder, remains the focal point of a team that triumphed in the previous World Series. Yet, the questions surrounding his return to the mound linger amidst the excitement of his batting prowess.
Ohtani's Remarkable Resilience
Entering his 30s, Ohtani’s career is a constant dance between extraordinary feats and the realities of sporting life. Last year, he clinched his third MVP title in four years — a testament to his exceptional skill and perseverance. Despite the physical hurdles that the 2023 surgeries posed, Ohtani has been projected to be ready to hit when the 2025 season kicks off, cementing his role as a pivotal designated hitter.
The Dodgers anticipate missing Ohtani’s pitching arm in their opening series in Japan on March 18 and 19. Dave Roberts, the team’s manager, indicated it’s "unlikely" Ohtani will pitch during this series. Nevertheless, fans can remain hopeful as they look forward to seeing him dominate at the plate.
An Offense to Be Reckoned With
Ohtani’s offensive stats read like a baseball purist’s dream: a .310 batting average, a .390 on-base percentage, and a .646 slugging percentage. He also delivered 38 doubles, seven triples, and an incredible 54 home runs, securing 130 RBIs and pedestrianizing base paths with 134 runs and 59 stolen bases last year. His feat of achieving the first 50-50 season in baseball history, all while mainly operating as a designated hitter, is a clear indication of his unparalleled offensive influence. Hence, as Ohtani takes the field with bat in hand for the Dodgers, defenders are on high alert.
The Dodgers' Strategy
In the absence of Ohtani's immediate pitching contributions, the Dodgers are armed with a robust rotation, including Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and Blake Snell. They are further reinforced by the return of Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May, whose presence augments the team’s depth. This wealth of talent allowed the Dodgers to capture the World Series the previous year with just three starting pitchers — a testament to both their depth and strategic acumen.
As the season progresses, Ohtani’s pitching responsibilities are expected to increase, with the Dodgers aiming to manage his workload around the 150-inning mark for the regular season. Manager Dave Roberts stated that the team will be "nimble" with Ohtani's pitching workload, reflecting the balanced approach they intend to take in leveraging his prowess on the mound.
A Lucrative Future
Ohtani's exceptional talent is reflected in his breathtaking $700 million deal with the Dodgers, a financial commitment that indicates a long-term vision for the franchise centered around the star player. In 2023, Ohtani's performance on the mound was impressive — posting a 10-5 pitching record, with a 3.14 ERA, a 1.06 WHIP, and 167 strikeouts over 132 innings. While he won’t be starting the season pitching, this history of excellence foreshadows what might be when he returns to full form.
The upcoming season bears promises of both challenges and thrilling moments for Ohtani and the Dodgers. With a decorated career that continues to astonish, Ohtani stands at the crossroads of an evolving journey. As baseball fans everywhere watch eagerly, there is a shared consensus: Ohtani’s contributions, both as a hitter and a pitcher, have the power to not only shape games but to define a new era in the sport.