The playoffs are always a thrilling time for fans, but what about the players? Well, for Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, it looks like nerves aren’t an issue. When the shortstop left his former team, the Los Angeles Angels, to join the Blue Crew, fans knew they were getting a Japanese talent who would finally get his shot at postseason play. And now, that moment is finally here. With everyone eagerly watching to see how Ohtani performs, it’s clear that the 30-year-old is more than ready for his playoff debut.

In his first postseason since coming to the Majors, the Japanese talent will be tasked with leading the Dodgers’ first full-season World Series title since 1988. While this is the slugger’s first time in the playoffs, it’s not like the baseball star is unfamiliar with pressure. Shohei Ohtani already took charge during the 2023 World Baseball Classic, where he led the Angels, and throughout his six-year-long career, the shortstop has been seen thriving in big moments. So, just like that, Ohtani isn’t fazed by the playoffs; his recent statements reflect this confidence.

Shohei Ohtani is ready for the playoffs

When Shohei Ohtani was asked if he felt nervous about playing in the postseason, he immediately replied with a confident “No.” That’s one bold response for someone stepping into his first playoffs. Ohtani further shared through his interpreter, Will Ireton, “It’s always been my childhood dream to be able to be in an important situation, to play in important games.” So, the kid inside him is about to live one of his dreams, but let’s be real—the Japanese talent has been working for this moment for a long time.

Even as a teenager, Ohtani was the kind of player who thrives under lofty expectations and pressure. At the age of 18, the slugger was already being seen as the next big thing to come out of Japan. And they were right, but that kind of spotlight can be intense at such an age, given it followed him throughout his career in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball League. Moreover, when in 2018, the slugger made the jump to Major League Baseball, these expectations only skyrocketed.

Shohei Ohtani came in as the only two-way player in the sport, and fast forward to the season 2024 – he is finishing with a 12-game hitting streak and hot stats – .547/.586/1.057. While every fan is waiting to visualize the slugger’s power play in the postseason, off the field, the Dodgers’ coaching staff, front office, and teammates are also anticipating what lies next. But they are positive about the results that Ohtani brings to the table.

How does the Dodgers feel about Shohei’s first playoffs?

Dodgers president of baseball operations, Andrew Friedman’s opinion on Ohtani’s first postseason reflected his enthusiasm: “I’m really excited to watch him on the October stage.” Talking about Ohtani’s dedication, Friedman told the reporters, “It’s been the thing he’s talked about when they first met in December.” Every subsequent conversation with the slugger was all about October, and now, it’s time to shift the focus. Talking about the game, there is one ability of Ohtani that makes Friedman awestruck.

Can you guess what that is? Well, that’s Shohei Ohtani’s ability to shut off the outside noise. Even when 100 cameras and thousands of fans are cheering and watching the star, he keeps his head in the game. So, it seems the slugger would be able to tune into the postseason accurately, and the Dodgers manager Dave Roberts feels the same, who noted, “If there’s any person that I feel is going to be able to handle this, it’s certainly Shohei.” And we get why every official has so much confidence in Ohtani; what the star accomplished this season was more than what the Dodgers could have hoped for when they signed a huge 10-year, $700 million contract!

Did you know this is the biggest deal in the sport’s history? But the investment was fruitful, and the return started just as the slugger started on the field, breaking records and records whether it’s of hits or most stolen bases (59) among his countrymen. But now, the main question is: Will the 30-year-old be able to maintain this streak in the playoffs? What do you think? Drop your thoughts in the comments.