GLENDALE, Ariz. – The Dodgers' $700 million investment in Shohei Ohtani is finally closer to realizing its full value. Yes, full value despite becoming the first player ever in baseball history to enter the 50-50 club and winning the World Series in his first season with the team.
Ohtani had not pitched in a game since August 2023, when he was still a member of the Los Angeles Angels. The Dodgers understood what they were signing up for when they committed to a 10-year, $700 million contract with a two-way player who was recovering from elbow surgery.
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) warms up prior to throwing a bullpen session during spring training workouts at Camelback Ranch.
Let's not forget that he is also recovering from a partially torn labrum in his left shoulder, which he injured during Game 2 of the World Series.
Ohtani had a 21-pitch bullpen session on Tuesday, during which he threw only fastballs. This was his second session this spring; he pitched his first on Saturday, throwing 14 pitches to catcher Will Smith. In total, Ohtani has thrown 35 pitches this spring, all consisting of fastballs. The Dodgers' training staff wants to avoid putting extra pressure on Ohtani’s elbow early in the season, so he is not throwing off-speed or movement pitches yet. He still needs to increase the intensity of his pitches as he continues his bullpen sessions throughout spring. In his first session, his fastball velocity ranged from 92 to 94 mph.
Ohtani bullpen #DodgersST pic.twitter.com/oH4oenVrbR
— Nikki Kay (@NikkiKaySN1) February 18, 2025
The Dodgers are excited to see him on the mound as they aim to repeat their success with a much stronger lineup than they had last season. The additions of Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki significantly enhanced a starting rotation that struggled and entered the playoffs in rough shape. Many believed the Dodgers wouldn’t have enough to compete in the playoffs, let alone win the World Series. However, with Ohtani now available to pitch this season, the Dodgers have a fresh perspective on their investment.
Ohtani has a career record of 38 wins and 19 losses, along with a 3.01 ERA as a pitcher for the Angels. He has become the first two-way player to achieve this level of success since Babe Ruth over 100 years ago. Ohtani has recorded 608 strikeouts in 481 ⅔ innings. After demonstrating his offensive talents in his first season, many are curious about what more he can accomplish. He has the opportunity to win the MVP award again this year, having claimed it last season.
Additionally, he could win the Cy Young Award in the same year—a feat that hasn't been accomplished since Clayton Kershaw won both awards in 2014. In that year, Kershaw had a 1.77 ERA, 239 strikeouts, and a record of 21 wins and 3 losses.
Ohtani has the opportunity to become the seventh player in history to win both the MVP and the Cy Young Award. If he achieves this, he will also join Clayton Kershaw as the only National League players to accomplish the feat. The players who have previously won both awards include Justin Verlander in 2011 with the Detroit Tigers, Dennis Eckersley in 1992 with the Oakland Athletics, Roger Clemens in 1986 with the Boston Red Sox, Rollie Fingers in 1981 and Vida Blue in 1971, both with the Athletics.
