As the 2025 MLB season approaches, one name is again dominating every headline—Shohei Ohtani. But this time, it’s not just about his extraordinary talent or his ability to hit and pitch like no one else. No, this time it’s about something bigger. Something that even contradicts the Los Angeles Dodgers’  cautious approach with Ohtani as he recovers from elbow surgery. MLB Insider has made a bold prediction about the Dodgers, which, of course, centered around Ohtani.

You know how every offseason brings its fair share of hot takes and wild speculations? Well, this one feels different. It’s not just another rumor—it’s the kind of prediction that could reshape the narrative for one of baseball’s most iconic clubs. The Athletic’s Insider Jim Bowden weighed in on a question that’s been on every fan’s mind. Sharing his predictions for the upcoming season—some bold, others unexpected—Bowden surprised many by envisioning a World Series showdown between the Dodgers and the Texas Rangers.

What’s particularly intriguing is his prediction that for the Dodgers, he believes they will successfully defend their title, securing back-to-back World Series Championships. But you know what’s more interesting? Besides the New York Yankees in 1998, there hasn’t been any team to achieve this feat. That’s over two decades! But now, the Dodgers appear to have a shot at breaking that streak this season.

Coming to Ohtani, who is one of the central pieces of Bowden’s bold predictions for the upcoming season. He envisions Ohtani claiming his fourth MVP award, which will cement his status as one of baseball’s all-time greats. But what truly grabs attention is Bowden’s assertion: “Ohtani becomes a four-time MVP at 31 after leading the Dodgers to their second consecutive World Series championship.”

Moreover, Bowden also thinks the Dodgers (West) will finish at the top of the National League division, alongside the Philadelphia Phillies (East) and Chicago Cubs (Central). This is, of course, not too surprising, given how stacked the Dodgers are. Unfortunately, this has sparked a whole other controversy about them. But they couldn’t care less about the criticism. Los Angeles’s top priority has always been about winning, just like this time. And if any team can achieve back-to-back titles as Bowden predicts, it’s them.

While Ohtani is undoubtedly a baseball prodigy, there have been concerns among the fans due to the arthroscopic surgery he underwent in November 2024. It marked his third surgery on his throwing arm. This raises the question: Will he able to meet the expectations?

Ohtani shines as Dodgers gear up for home opener against Tigers

Let’s be real—we are talking about Ohtani here, who’s the Dodgers’ two-way star. With the home opener against the Detroit Tigers just two days away, he’s already turning heads. His performance against his former team, the Los Angeles Angels, has the Dodgers blues buzzing with excitement. In the third inning, Ohtani nearly sent one over the fence before settling for his third double of the season.

However, it’s not just his bat that got people talking. Ohtani’s recovery from elbow surgery has been a hot topic for quite some time, with fans eagerly waiting for his return to the mound. After playing the entire 2024 season as a designated hitter, he is on track to resume his pitching program, and all signs point to a return to action in late May.

“This is a long-term play for Shohei’s well-being. We’re being as cautious and careful as we possibly can,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. His approach highlights that the team’s focus is on having Ohtani as a two-way player for the long term. With hopes of seeing him excel in both roles, Roberts is emphasizing caution to ensure he stays healthy throughout the season. It’s clear—Ohtani’s 2025 campaign is set to be electrifying. And if everything goes according to plan, we might witness one of the greatest players at full strength, ready to light up the entire MLB!