As the clock ticks toward the 2025 Major League Baseball season, all eyes are on Shohei Ohtani, who is poised to make headlines yet again. Fresh from undergoing elbow surgery in the fall of 2023, in addition to a procedure on his non-pitching shoulder, Ohtani's return to full health is a focal point for the Los Angeles Dodgers. In a career filled with remarkable achievements, Ohtani's resilience continues to captivate the baseball world.
At 30, Ohtani is not only a seasoned athlete but one of the most prolific players in recent history. His prowess on the field was underscored last season when he captured his third MVP award in the span of four years, an accolade few in the annals of baseball can boast. Ohtani's success was driven largely by his remarkable offensive stats: a .310 batting average, a .390 on-base percentage, and a slugging percentage of .646.
His 2023 campaign was nothing short of extraordinary, featuring an array of achievements that included 38 doubles, seven triples, and an astounding 54 home runs. In addition to driving in 130 RBIs and scoring 134 runs, Ohtani also stole 59 bases, leading to a 9.2 WAR rating. Such statistics affirm his status as a premier offensive talent, while his achievement as the first player to reach a 50-50 season primarily as a designated hitter etches his name in the record books.
While the Dodgers have enjoyed success, including a World Series victory last year with only three starting pitchers, Ohtani's role in the team remains pivotal as they gear up for another highly anticipated season. Despite Ohtani's significant impact, the Dodgers have emphasized a cautious approach to his recovery. Manager Dave Roberts remarked that the team would be "nimble" with Ohtani's pitching workload, signaling a strategic approach to his innings during the regular season. They plan to cap his pitching workload around the 150-inning mark, ensuring that he remains a competitive force throughout the season.
In preparation for 2025, the Dodgers have reinforced their rotation with notable pitchers such as Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and Blake Snell. Returning stalwarts Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May add further depth to this formidable lineup. However, it remains unlikely that Ohtani will pitch in the Dodgers' opening series in Japan on March 18 and 19, with Roberts stating it's "unlikely" he will take the mound during this showcase event.
Ohtani's presence in the lineup as a hitter from the season's outset is nearly assured, providing the Dodgers with bolstered offensive firepower. His record-breaking $700 million deal with the team exemplifies the investment they've made in his extraordinary two-way talents.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his early-season pitching involvement, Ohtani’s pitching stats from 2023—comprising a 10-5 record, a 3.14 ERA, a 1.06 WHIP, and 167 strikeouts over 132 innings—demonstrate his impactful presence on the mound. Yet, as any seasoned athlete will acknowledge, recovery is not only about physical healing but also ensuring readiness to compete at the highest level.
As fans and analysts alike eagerly await the start of the 2025 season, it is clear that Shohei Ohtani is set to remain a central figure. His trajectory—a blend of supreme talent, resilience, and determination—continues to redefine expectations of athletes in modern baseball. The Dodgers, with an eye on maintaining their championship form, will hope that Ohtani's comeback not only brings continued success but etches yet another chapter in his storied career.