Shohei Ohtani is on a mission to prove he’s truly superhuman. After leading the Dodgers to a World Series title with his bat and undergoing major surgery on both his pitching elbow and his shoulder, the two-way phenom is ready to defy expectations once again. But can he really return to his dominant form as both a hitter and a pitcher?
Ohtani’s 2024 season was legendary. He became the first player in history to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in the same season, all while rehabbing from Tommy John surgery. Now, he’s facing a new challenge: returning from a second UCL surgery and a shoulder injury. The Dodgers are cautiously optimistic, but the reality is that no one has ever done what Ohtani is attempting.
The good news is that early reports are encouraging. Ohtani is reportedly hitting triple-digit exit velocities and looks as good as new. But the Dodgers will be careful with his return, likely holding him out of pitching until May. The question is, can he regain his pitching form while also maintaining his offensive production?
Even if Ohtani doesn’t replicate his historic 2024 season, a “lesser” version of him is still an MVP-caliber player. Remember his 2021 MVP campaign? He hit 46 home runs, stole 26 bases, and posted a.964 OPS. That’s a pretty good “down” year!
The Dodgers are confident that Ohtani will find a way to overcome these challenges. He’s a unique talent with an unmatched work ethic, and he’s proven time and time again that he can defy expectations. Get ready for another exciting season from the most captivating player in baseball.
