In the waning months of 2023, the baseball world paused as Shohei Ohtani, not only a global icon but also a living legend of the sport, underwent elbow surgery. This necessary procedure, along with an operation on his non-pitching shoulder, has set the stage for what could be a remarkable comeback with the Los Angeles Dodgers. As the 2025 season looms on the horizon, speculation abounds about Ohtani's role on a team fresh off a World Series victory.
Ohtani, now a seasoned 30-year-old, is anticipated to make his on-field return as a hitter by the start of the 2025 season. However, his pitching duties might take a backseat initially. Dave Roberts, the Dodgers' manager, has confirmed it’s “unlikely” Ohtani will pitch during the team's opening series in Japan, set for March 18 and 19, 2025. Roberts highlights the importance of being “nimble” with Ohtani's workload, underlining the team's approach to cautiously manage his integration back into a competitive pitching schedule.
The Dodgers have constructed a formidable starting rotation, comprising talents like Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and Blake Snell. The rotation depth is further enhanced with the return of Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May. This strategic roster development provides the Dodgers the luxury of gradually scaling Ohtani’s pitching workload up to a planned 150 innings for the regular season.
While Ohtani's arm convalesces, his bat remains a formidable weapon in the Dodgers’ arsenal. Following a historic 2024 season where he clinched his third MVP title in just four years, Ohtani's offensive stats paint a vivid picture of his dominance. With a .310 batting average, .390 on-base percentage, and .646 slugging percentage, he secured 54 home runs, underlining his capability as one of baseball’s premier power hitters. His contributions also include 130 RBIs, 134 runs, and a staggering 59 stolen bases, culminating in a 9.2 WAR, numbers that echo his unmatched versatility.
Ohtani’s feats aren't merely statistical anomalies; they are monumental achievements that cement his legacy. Last season, he became the first player to achieve a 50-50 season while primarily performing as a designated hitter, a testament to his unparalleled talent and adaptability.
Standing on the brink of a new season, the Dodgers, armed with Ohtani and other elite pitchers, are prepared to defend their title. The team’s previous success, notably winning the World Series with only three starting pitchers, demonstrates their ability to navigate challenges and maintain championship-caliber performance under pressure.
In pursuit of sustained excellence, the Dodgers have invested significantly in Ohtani, securing his talents with a monumental $700 million deal. This investment underscores the organization's confidence in Ohtani’s ability to continue impacting the game at a historic level, both as a pitcher and a hitter.
Ohtani’s contribution as a pitcher in 2023 saw him achieve a 10-5 record with a 3.14 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, and 167 strikeouts over 132 innings. Despite the imminent adjustments to his role, his past performances assure fans and analysts alike that Ohtani's return to the mound will be a pivotal moment for both him and the Dodgers.
The forthcoming season holds the promise of witnessing Ohtani donning the Dodgers' uniform, not just as a hitter but eventually returning to the mound as one of baseball’s most thrilling dual threats. His journey, filled with resilience and unprecedented success, will be closely watched as fans and experts anticipate how this phase of his illustrious career unfolds.