Shohei Ohtani's Recovery and Anticipated Return: A Dual Threat Gears Up for the 2025 Season
Shohei Ohtani, the multi-talented phenomenon known for his prowess both on the mound and at the plate, is gearing up for a significant return to baseball after undergoing crucial surgeries in 2023. The Los Angeles Dodgers have high hopes for the 30-year-old superstar, despite acknowledging that he won't take the mound during their opening series in Japan in March 2025. Nonetheless, Ohtani is expected to resume his duties as a batter at the start of the 2025 season, adding valuable firepower to the Dodgers’ lineup.
Ohtani’s 2023 season was nothing short of spectacular. He clinched his third MVP title in four years, a testament to his consistent excellence on the field. His statistics tell the story of a player at the peak of his powers: a .310 batting average, a .390 on-base percentage, and a formidable .646 slugging percentage. Last year, Ohtani blasted 54 home runs, hit 38 doubles, and notched seven triples. His 130 RBIs and 134 runs underscore his invaluable contribution to the team’s offensive output.
A remarkable achievement in 2023 was Ohtani becoming the first player to record a 50-50 season, earning MVP honors mainly as a designated hitter. He also managed an impressive 59 stolen bases, demonstrating his all-around athleticism and strategic acumen on the base paths. With a WAR of 9.2, Ohtani's multifaceted skills were a cornerstone of his team's success.
On the pitching side, Ohtani's 2023 numbers were equally impressive, with a 10-5 record, a 3.14 ERA, 167 strikeouts, and a WHIP of 1.06 across 132 innings. The Dodgers recognize Ohtani's potential value on the mound and plan to manage his return to pitching thoughtfully. Manager Dave Roberts emphasized the team’s strategy, noting, “The team will be 'nimble' with Ohtani's pitching workload.” The intention is to gradually build his stamina with an eye toward a 150-inning workload during the regular season.
While Ohtani won’t be pitching in Japan, the Dodgers are well-equipped heading into 2025 with an impressive rotation that includes Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and Blake Snell. Adding depth to the already strong lineup are returning arms Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May, both expected to bolster what promises to be a formidable pitching staff. Last year's World Series win with a mere trio of starting pitchers underscores the team's strategic capability to manage and maximize its resources effectively.
The Dodgers' $700 million investment in Ohtani reflects not just his past accomplishments but also their faith in his future performance. As Ohtani recovers from both his elbow surgery and an additional procedure on his non-pitching shoulder, his return is eagerly anticipated, poised to inject further dynamism into the Dodgers’ championship-winning team.
With a renewed focus on balancing Ohtani’s dual roles, the Dodgers are poised to make strategic moves to ensure his longevity and performance standards remain high. The anticipation surrounding his return is palpable, as fans and analysts alike look forward to watching one of baseball’s most extraordinary talents back in action in 2025.