As Shohei Ohtani looks ahead to opening day in 2025, all eyes are on his remarkable journey from the operating room back to the ballpark. The baseball superstar is in the midst of recovery from elbow surgery, which took place in the fall of 2023, along with an additional procedure on his non-pitching shoulder. Despite these setbacks, expectations remain high for Ohtani as he continues to solidify his reputation as one of baseball’s most compelling figures.
At 30 years old, Ohtani enters the upcoming season with the Los Angeles Dodgers under considerable anticipation, carrying a $700 million deal, the largest in MLB history. While the Dodgers are not expecting him to pitch during the opening series in Japan on March 18 and 19, 2025, optimism abounds regarding his readiness as a batter when the season kicks off.
Ohtani's 2024 Season: A Performance for the Ages
The previous season was nothing short of extraordinary for Ohtani, who captured his third MVP award in four years. His statistics were a testament to his unparalleled talent: a .310 batting average complemented by a .390 on-base percentage and a .646 slugging percentage. Ohtani also notched 38 doubles, seven triples, and 54 home runs, culminating in an incredible 130 RBIs and 134 runs. He set yet another milestone by becoming the first player in history to achieve a 50-50 season, earning MVP honors primarily as a designated hitter.
His prowess on the base paths further distinguished him from his peers, as Ohtani managed to swipe 59 bases, thereby showcasing his versatility and athleticism. With a 9.2 WAR, Ohtani's value to any lineup becomes undeniably apparent, helping him etch his name deeper into the records of baseball lore.
Reinforcing the Dodgers' Rotation
Amidst Ohtani's multifaceted role with the Dodgers, the club has placed significant emphasis on bolstering their pitching roster for the 2025 season. The rotation is set to feature ace pitchers such as Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and Blake Snell. Returning talents Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May are also expected to add depth, aiming to replicate the strong showing that led the Dodgers to a World Series victory the previous year, achieved remarkably with only three starting pitchers.
On Ohtani’s potential impact on the mound, Manager Dave Roberts has expressed a measured approach. “The team will be 'nimble' with Ohtani's pitching workload,” Roberts stated, highlighting the Dodgers' careful management of Ohtani’s innings, targeted around the 150-inning mark for the regular season. For now, it's "unlikely" that Ohtani will take the mound during their season opener in Japan, indicating that the Dodgers are prioritizing his long-term health and contribution to the team.
Balancing Expectations
While Ohtani’s achievements and potential forecasts a promising season, the Dodgers will need to balance their ambition with realism, given his recent surgeries. His pitching record in 2023 was notable—ending with a 10-5 record, a 3.14 ERA, a 1.06 WHIP, and 167 strikeouts over 132 innings—and underscored his reputation as a dual-threat player.
As Ohtani rehabilitates and regains his form, the Dodgers and their fans await his return to pitching form with great anticipation. The team's plans for a measured workload underline a strategic focus on sustainability, ensuring that Ohtani remains a formidable force both at the plate and potentially on the mound, possibly lending another championship run within grasp.
Ohtani’s return to full fitness will be pivotal, not just for the Dodgers, but for the broader landscape of Major League Baseball, which thrives on the spectacle and inspiration provided by players who redefine the limits of what’s possible on the field. As the 2025 season approaches, the question isn’t whether Ohtani will leave his mark, but rather how he plans to elevate the game once again.