Los Angeles Dodgers Eye Shohei Ohtani for 2025 Season: Pitcher and DH Combo?

In the world of Major League Baseball, offseason chatter is already heating up, and insiders are abuzz with speculations regarding the Los Angeles Dodgers’ plans for the upcoming 2025 season. While most experts assume the Dodgers will focus on bolstering their starting rotation, there’s a twist in the tale that has caught everyone’s attention: the possibility of Shohei Ohtani donning Dodger blue.

Ohtani, known for his incredible two-way prowess, may not be an obvious choice for the Dodgers in 2024, primarily due to his inability to pitch during that season. However, Jon Heyman of the New York Post has added a new layer to the story. According to Heyman’s sources, Ohtani isn’t too keen on hitting at Dodger Stadium. It’s a sentiment shared by some other hitters who find the cool marine air hinders their hits, especially as the season progresses.

Now, here’s where the plot thickens. Unless Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers’ president of baseball operations, manages to re-sign J.D. Martinez, the team will be in need of a reliable designated hitter for the next season. Enter Shohei Ohtani. The Japanese sensation could offer a solution to this problem and potentially serve as either a starting pitcher or a closer in 2025.

The idea of Ohtani joining the Dodgers becomes even more intriguing when we consider his rumored preferences. Speculation abounds that Ohtani is looking for a perennial winner, preferably on the West Coast. In that case, the Dodgers could be an ideal fit for his aspirations.

Of course, there’s more to the Dodgers’ pitching staff. Assuming a season free from unforeseen injuries, the team is poised to have a formidable starting rotation in 2024. The return of Clayton Kershaw, a beloved figure in Dodgers history, would be warmly embraced by the fans. Moreover, after undergoing his second Tommy John surgery in August 2022, Walker Buehler is expected to be back in top form for the 2024 season.

Adding to the excitement are the impressive performances of young talents like Bobby Miller, Emmet Sheehan, and Ryan Pepiot in the 2023 season. Their contributions have earned them strong consideration for spots in the Dodgers’ starting rotation. Michael Grove and Kyle Hurt are also contenders for rotation positions, potentially adding depth to the team’s pitching arsenal. In addition, the Dodgers might choose to exercise an inexpensive option on Lance Lynn as an insurance policy.

While the Dodgers are undoubtedly interested in Ohtani, the final decision ultimately rests with the man himself. Will Shohei Ohtani be wearing Dodger blue in 2025, bringing his unique two-way talents to Los Angeles? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure—MLB fans everywhere will be keeping a close eye on this intriguing offseason development.

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