In the ever-evolving landscape of Major League Baseball, few players capture the imagination and attention of fans like Shohei Ohtani. The multi-talented phenom is not only rewriting the record books but also redefining what it means to be a two-way player. As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes are once again on Ohtani, who continues to break barriers despite recovering from recent elbow surgery and an additional procedure on his non-pitching shoulder.
Ohtani's Recovery and Return
Shohei Ohtani, now 30, is navigating the challenges of rehabilitation with characteristic determination. The Dodgers have announced that Ohtani's recovery from his elbow and shoulder surgeries is on track, though he is unlikely to pitch during the opening series in Japan set for March 18 and 19, 2025. Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts has confirmed, "It's 'unlikely' that Ohtani will pitch during the Dodgers' opening series in Japan."
Despite the setback in his pitching schedule, Ohtani is expected to return to the lineup as a designated hitter at the start of the 2025 season. This comes as welcome news for the Dodgers, who look to build upon the momentum of their victorious previous season, where they captured the World Series title with only three starting pitchers. Ohtani's presence in the batting order remains invaluable, particularly considering his performance in the prior season.
A Season for the Ages
In the previous year, Ohtani secured his third MVP title in four years, a testament to his prowess at the plate. Ohtani posted impressive numbers, including a .310 batting average, .390 on-base percentage, and .646 slugging percentage. His power was on full display with 54 home runs, 38 doubles, and seven triples, contributing significantly to his 130 RBIs and 134 runs scored. Ohtani's base-running brilliance was equally noteworthy, as he successfully stole 59 bases, cementing his status as a complete offensive threat.
Ohtani's historic season also featured an unprecedented achievement when he became the first player to secure a 50-50 season while earning MVP honors primarily as a designated hitter. His 9.2 WAR was a clear indicator of his all-around impact on the field, further enhancing his legacy as one of the most versatile players in the sport's history.
The Dodgers' 2025 Outlook
While Ohtani's return to pitching may not coincide with the opening of the season, the Dodgers have assembled a formidable rotation set to carry them through 2025. The team's pitching arsenal includes big names like Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and Blake Snell, alongside returning stalwarts Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May. This depth offers the Dodgers a myriad of options to navigate their campaign while Ohtani gradually regains his pitching form.
Looking ahead, the Dodgers envision Ohtani's pitching workload to hover around the 150-inning mark for the regular season. Manager Dave Roberts emphasized the need for flexibility, stating, "The team will be 'nimble' with Ohtani's pitching workload." This strategy allows the superstar to ease back into the rhythm of pitching, preserving his dual-threat capacity that has become his signature.
A Future Filled with Promise
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his return to the mound, Ohtani's $700 million contract with the Dodgers underscores the confidence the franchise places in his unique abilities. His 2023 pitching record of 10-5, alongside a 3.14 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, and 167 strikeouts over 132 innings, is still fresh in the memory and hints at the active contribution he is expected to deliver once back to full pitching strength.
As anticipation builds for Ohtani's impactful return, the baseball world watches in awe of a player whose career embodies the art of baseball mastery. His journey through recovery and his potential impact on the field remain subjects of intrigue and excitement, promising yet another chapter of remarkable achievements in the seasons to come.