It’s amazing how loaded Shohei Ohtani’s resume is. From NPB to MLB, the two-way phenom has nearly won every individual honor that a player can win. However, even after that, there’s one giant blank space in the postseason column. Leave the World Series, the superstar hasn’t even played one postseason game in his MLB career till now. However, a Los Angeles Dodgers teammate has now shared why he thinks Ohtani’s story could differ from his Los Angeles Angels fate.

While Shohei Ohtani won 2 MVP awards with the Angels, his team couldn’t rise above mediocrity. In his 6 years with the Halos, Ohtani never saw a season that rose above .500 (they were at .500 only once). However, things are different with the Dodgers. That has encouraged pitcher Alex Vesia to explain how Ohtani’s attitude might be better suited to the Dodgers’ clubhouse. 

“His preparation and how he goes about his business, he’s the real deal,” Vesia said about Ohtani, adding, “He’s a great teammate, he cares about your routine. “It’s not just all about him and I think that goes a long way when you’re trying to accomplish the World Series.” Ohtani’s work ethic has been a notable feature of his story since his Angels days. However, it seems in a more winning culture, that attitude is translating into more wins (not without questions).

“When you have people who are selfish, it’s definitely a clash. It’s not fun to be around right,” Vesia said, while continuing, “(But) He’s the farthest thing from it so I’m always going to root for him.” As Vesia noted, having a selfish star could be a hindrance. However, Ohtani’s humility leads to greater cohesion within the squad. This was similar in the Angels where he had Mike Trout with him. However, there was little to no cohesion in that squad and it showed in its result. But one can’t deny that Shohei Ohtani’s World Series future looks bright. However, despite the Halos too having managed to create some form of balance in their squad, success remains far from them. Interestingly, a recent surge in form has reignited some hopes.

Shohei Ohtani rises but the Angels have some life too

With a 52-33 record, the Los Angeles Dodgers are currently 2nd in the NL. Though the team is comfortably on pace for another 100-win season, this time the primary story is Shohei Ohtani. The two-way phenom is on a roll and has one of the biggest chances of winning the Triple Crown this season. It wouldn’t just cement his legacy but perhaps result in Ohtani winning the NL MVP – a first for DH in the history of baseball.

On the other hand, though the Angels are 9.5 games behind the Wild Card position, they’ve managed to win 7 of their last 9 games. This is a team in form and with Mike Trout’s return, one wonders whether they’d be able to do a miracle this season. Though hopes aren’t very high, the fact that they haven’t completely collapsed without Ohtani is an extremely encouraging sight. 

Still, with Ohtani set to play his first postseason this year, expectations are quite high. What would Shotiime do in his very first playoff season? Will he turn it into a legendary debut by going all the way to the World Series? Weel, the Dodgers certainly hope that he does.