The Dodgers are making moves, and Shohei Ohtani is at the center of it all. If you thought 2024 was a historic year for Ohtani, get ready for 2025. The Dodgers are doubling down on their superstar in 2025.
Manager Dave Roberts confirmed on Thursday that Ohtani will remain the team’s leadoff hitter this season. That news is setting up what might be one of the most dangerous top-of-the-order combos in MLB history.
When you have Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman stacked back-to-back-to-back, opposing pitchers might as well start sweating now.
A Nightmare for Pitchers
The reasoning here is simple: Roberts wants to make opposing teams’ lives as difficult as possible, and sliding Betts in between Ohtani and Freeman forces pitchers to navigate an absolute minefield.
A pitcher can’t afford to pitch around Ohtani because then you’re giving Betts a free pass. If you try to work around Betts, you’ve got Freeman waiting to drive in runs. It’s the kind of lineup that keeps managers awake at night.
Of course, there’s one big question mark in all of this—how much will Ohtani actually be in the lineup? The two-way sensation is expected to return to the mound by May, but it’s still unclear whether he’ll hit on the same days he pitches or even the day after.
Managing his workload will be key, and the Dodgers will need to find the right balance between keeping his bat in the lineup and preserving his arm for the long haul.
Ohtani Had a Historic 2024 Season
Just in case anyone forgot, Ohtani’s 2024 season was the stuff of legend. He became the first player in baseball history to hit 50 homers and steal 50 bases in a single season.
He finished with 54 homers, 59 steals, and a .310 batting average, all while helping lead the Dodgers to their first World Series title since 2020.
Ohtani also picked up his third career MVP Award, making him only the second player ever to win an MVP in both leagues, alongside Frank Robinson.
What’s Next for the Dodgers?
With Ohtani solidified as the team’s leadoff hitter, all eyes will be on how he handles the transition back to pitching.
Will he return to his two-way dominance without missing a beat? Can the Dodgers manage his workload while keeping him a consistent presence at the top of the lineup?
One thing is for sure—this team isn’t just built to win; they’re built to dominate. The Dodgers kicked off Cactus League play against the Cubs on Thursday and will open the regular season in Tokyo on March 18.
With the superstar leading the charge, expect another year of fireworks from one of the most electrifying players in baseball history.
