Shohei Ohtani, the baseball phenom renowned for his exceptional talents both on the mound and at the plate, has set his sights on participating in the upcoming Home Run Derby. Yet, this ambition is layered with complexity, as his current circumstances necessitate multiple levels of approval.
Ohtani's Derby Desires
Ohtani has openly expressed a desire to take part in the Home Run Derby, stating, "I have to get an offer [to participate] first. I'm also rehabilitating, so I need the doctor's approval, the trainers' approval, and the team's approval. Of course, I have feelings of wanting to do it. I think any player would. I think it depends on how it lines up with the other parts." His drive to compete is palpable, yet the hurdles he faces are significant.
As a star player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Ohtani's versatility as both a pitcher and a slugger is well-documented. This season, however, his role has been exclusively limited to hitting as he recuperates from elbow surgery that took place last September. Despite this, Ohtani's performance at the plate has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Impressive Stats amidst Rehabilitation
Ohtani currently boasts a batting average of .320, an on-base percentage of .398, and a slugging percentage of .634 this season. These figures not only underline his resilience but also his ability to maintain elite performance standards despite not being at full physical capacity.
Leading the NL with 24 home runs and 196 total bases, Ohtani has been a powerhouse, captivating the baseball world with his offensive prowess. Moreover, he has been a fan favorite, leading the All-Star Game fan-voting for NL designated hitters.
Managerial Reservations
With Ohtani eyeing the Home Run Derby, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has shown some hesitancy. "I'd probably not want him to do it, but I'll support him no matter what he decides to do. For the game, I think it's great ... Obviously, he's the biggest star in the game, and it makes [the Home Run Derby] more attractive," Roberts shared. The manager’s reservations are rooted in the distinction between game hitting and the unique demands of the Home Run Derby. A Dodgers insider echoed this sentiment, noting, "Hitting in games is different from hitting in a Home Run Derby."
Anticipation Builds
The anticipation surrounding Ohtani's potential participation is intensifying, especially as the roster of participants for the Home Run Derby is set to be announced within the next two weeks. There is no doubt that Ohtani's presence would add considerable allure to the event, with Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, poised to host the 2024 Home Run Derby on Monday, July 15.
Notably, the competition will not feature Yankees' star Aaron Judge this year, leaving a significant spotlight for Ohtani if he indeed joins the lineup.
A Look Back at 2021
Ohtani's past experience in the Home Run Derby provides insight into his competitive spirit. During the 2021 Derby, Ohtani was eliminated in the first round by Juan Soto in a dramatic swing-off tiebreaker. This experience, coupled with his current stats and recovery progress, sets the stage for what could be a remarkable comeback in the event.
As Ohtani waits for medical clearances and decisions from the Dodgers' training staff, fans and analysts alike are on edge, eagerly awaiting to see if this extraordinary talent will grace the Home Run Derby once again. The ultimate decision will be a careful balancing act, weighing his competitive desires against the overarching need for a cautious approach to his rehabilitation.