The Los Angeles Dodgers' Strategic Planning for Shohei Ohtani's Return in 2025
Shohei Ohtani is celebrated worldwide for his extraordinary talent as both a pitcher and a hitter. As the baseball world eagerly anticipates his return for the 2025 MLB season, the Los Angeles Dodgers face the complex task of managing the recovery of their most prized asset. Following elbow surgery and an additional procedure on his non-pitching shoulder in the fall of 2023, Ohtani is on a meticulous path back to the diamond.
At 30, Ohtani is no stranger to overcoming adversity, evidenced by his recent MVP triumph—his third in four years. His remarkable performance in the previous season, where he achieved a .310 batting average, a .390 on-base percentage, and a .646 slugging percentage, underscores his irreplaceable contribution to any lineup.
A Batting Powerhouse
Despite uncertainties surrounding his pitching capabilities at the start of the upcoming season, Ohtani's batting prowess remains unquestioned. Last season, he demonstrated exceptional hitting strength with 38 doubles, seven triples, and an astounding 54 home runs. These statistics led to impressive tallies of 130 RBIs and 134 runs, enhancing his reputation as a powerful and consistent hitter.
Ohtani's ability to impact the game isn’t just limited to home plate—his agility on the bases is another asset. With 59 stolen bases, he became the first player in MLB history to achieve a 50-homer and 50-steal season, earning MVP honors primarily as a designated hitter.
Preparing the Rotation
While fans might be eager to see Ohtani take the mound, the Dodgers are taking an understandably cautious approach. Manager Dave Roberts emphasized the team's readiness to be "nimble" with Ohtani's pitching workload, indicating flexibility in handling his comeback.
The Dodgers have strengthened their rotation with formidable additions such as Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and Blake Snell, alongside the return of Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May, indicating that the team is not heavily reliant on Ohtani's arm from the outset. During the previous season, the Dodgers clinched the World Series with only three starting pitchers, confirming their depth and resourcefulness.
For now, the expectation is that Ohtani will not pitch during the Dodgers' opening series in Japan on March 18 and 19, 2025. However, as per Roberts, it remains "'unlikely.'" The club's broader plan positions Ohtani for a pitching role later in the season, once he is fully recovered and ready to manage a workload around the 150-inning mark for the regular season.
A Visionary Investment
The Dodgers have demonstrated an immense commitment to Ohtani with a $700 million deal, emphasizing their vision of him as a pivotal part of their future. His 2023 pitching record—10 wins, five losses, a 3.14 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, and 167 strikeouts over 132 innings—is a testament to his skill on the rubber. Still, there is no rush to wield that aspect of his talent until he is thoroughly prepared.
Dodgers fans and baseball enthusiasts worldwide await the return of Ohtani's full dual-threat capability. His presence on the field, whether in the batter's box or on the mound, promises to electrify the baseball landscape once more. Until then, the Dodgers remain poised, balancing ambition with caution, ensuring the brightest future possible for their star player and the franchise at large.