In baseball, few players have gained the attention of fans quite like Shohei Ohtani. The 3-time MVP is the kind of player who defies every department. Hitting home runs, pitching worldies, stealing bases, and dominating the game. The type of player who can decide with a clutch strikeout or a game-winning homerun. While he is undoubtedly one of the most talented players in the MLB, there is something deeper than just talent that fuels his accolades and overall success.

Behind all the flashy on-field performances there is more than just sheer talent, and obviously, no one knows it better than the Los Angeles Dodgers GM Brandon Gomes. According to him, it is Ohtani’s relentless dedication to his craft that sets him apart from others.“The dedication to his routine and process each day, the homework he would do, digging in on pitchers.”. But there is more than just dedication; Ohtani’s ability to read the game and act accordingly makes him an asset to the team.

“Shohei’s obviously fast, but he’s not the fastest guy in the big leagues. He’s putting in the homework, understanding the times to run, picking and choosing his spots, making sure that it’s balanced out with the game situation,” said Gomes, adding, “His routine and how dialed in he is on that, he is on a whole another level than what anybody could have expected.” Ohtani’s preparation, both on and off the field, goes far beyond the norm. His attention to detail and focus on continuously improving allow him to excel at both the plate and mound.

Gomes also appreciated the rarity of two-way force that Ohtani brings: “He’s also one of the best pitchers in the game; it’s kind of hard to fathom. There are times we just forget that he is also going to pitch the following year.” And the way he dominated the last season with his bat was commendable; averaging .310 with 54 homers and earning 130 RBIs, Shohei Ohtani topped the league for the second consecutive year in home runs and RBIs.

Shohei Ohtani’s two-way return to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

One of the most exciting events going into the 2025 season for the Los Angeles Dodgers fans would be Ohtani’s two-way debut. Since Ohtani injured his shoulder in Game 2 of the World Series, his timeline to return to the mound was pushed back. Ohtani’s first season with the Dodgers saw him become the first player to score 50 home runs and steal 50 bases. Though he couldn’t contribute to the team with his pitching, fans are eager to witness Ohtani take the mound for the Dodgers. 

The wait is now over, with Shohei Ohtani confirming that he should be ready to pitch again in April. Regarded as one of the best pitchers in the world who in his last three seasons with the Angels, Ohtani posted ERAs below 4.00 and reached the 155-strikeout mark every year. So, for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Ohtani’s return to the mound is essential, where he would join elites like Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, and the young Japanese sensation Roki Sasaki.

Do you think Shohei’s two-way return would not only elevate their already strong chances for the title but also provide them with squad depth? Share with us below.