Shohei Ohtani, the transcendent baseball star, is navigating a significant phase of his career following a series of procedures that sidelined him this offseason. The 30-year-old phenom is recuperating after undergoing elbow surgery in the fall of 2023, along with an additional operation on his non-pitching shoulder. Despite these setbacks, the Los Angeles Dodgers and their fans remain optimistic about Ohtani’s impact on the diamond in the upcoming 2025 season.
Ohtani's Anticipated Return
With a $700 million deal binding him to the Dodgers, there are high expectations for Ohtani to return to the batter’s box at the onset of the 2025 season. Although his recovery timeline suggests he won't participate in the opening series against rival teams in Japan on March 18 and 19, 2025, the Dodger faithful are hopeful to see him swing his bat, given his illustrious performance as an offensive powerhouse last year.
Ohtani's offensive statistics from the previous season speak volumes about his extraordinary prowess. He delivered a .310 batting average, .390 on-base percentage, and a slugging percentage of .646. His ability to consistently reach the bases was complemented by his impressive power, as he recorded 38 doubles, seven triples, and hammered 54 home runs.
A Stellar Season and Remarkable Feats
Ohtani's exceptional season didn’t end there. With 130 RBIs and a stunning 134 runs scored, he not only bolstered his MVP credentials but also solidified his status as one of the most versatile players in the sport. Notably, he swiped 59 bases, a feat that contributed significantly to his 9.2 Wins Above Replacement (WAR). His stellar achievements last season made him the first player to secure a 50-50 season while earning MVP honors primarily as a designated hitter.
Dodgers' Depth and Pitching Strategy
The Los Angeles Dodgers, fresh from a triumphant World Series victory in the prior year, emerge with strategic rotations for 2025. Manager Dave Roberts plans to utilize pitchers Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and Blake Snell as key starters. Returning pitchers Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May promise to add further depth to a rotation that already boasts considerable firepower.
Ohtani’s return to the mound is highly anticipated, though the Dodgers are adopting a prudent approach regarding his pitching workload. "The team will be 'nimble' with Ohtani's pitching workload," notes Roberts, underscoring the necessity to acclimate Ohtani back to the rigors of regular pitching. The strategy is to facilitate a gradual buildup to a projected 150 innings over the regular season. However, as Roberts adds, it's "unlikely" that Ohtani will pitch during the Dodgers' opening series in Japan, acknowledging the need for patience and care in managing his recovery.
A Legacy in the Making
In 2023, Ohtani showcased his prowess on the mound with a record of 10-5, a 3.14 ERA, and an impressive WHIP of 1.06, accumulating 167 strikeouts over 132 innings. These figures only add to his multifaceted legacy in MLB, where he continuously defies traditional player roles as both a powerful batter and formidable pitcher.
While challenges lie ahead, Ohtani’s return to full form spells excitement and hope for the Dodgers and their robust lineup. For a player who has already engraved his name in the annals of baseball greatness with three MVP titles in the last four years, Shohei Ohtani’s return could herald an even more dynamic chapter in his unparalleled career.