Sunday, February 4, 2024
Copyrighted by Sarah Morris, 2024
When the National League adopted the DH, the Los Angeles Dodgers used the new position to rest their regulars. In 2023, they used J.D. Martinez when healthy as their DH, and it improved the offensive production. This offseason the Dodgers signed Shohei Ohtani to a record-setting ten-year $700 million deal, creating a buzz around baseball. Since Ohtani underwent a Tommy John reversion surgery on September 19, 2023, he will be only a DH for the Dodgers during the 2024 season.
Twice while with the Los Angeles Angels, Ohtani won the American League MVP unanimously. He is the best athlete in the major leagues. He is replacing Mookie Betts on the Dodgers for the best athlete. Other than being able to pitch, Ohtani can hit for a high average and power and is the fastest Dodger. According to Gavin Lux, Ohtani can jump higher than any other Dodger.
Since signing with the Dodgers in early December, Ohtani has been working out at Dodger Stadium practically every day. His work ethic is unmatched. He wants to succeed and win a world championship. While with the Angels, Ohtani didn’t appear in a playoff game.
According to the Dodger general manager Brandon Gomes, Ohtani will be limited at the beginning of spring training, but at Dodger Fest, Ohtani swore he would be ready for Opening Day in South Korea. Many Dodger fans had unrealistic expectations for Ohtani who will hit third in the Dodger lineup. If Ohtani hits .280 with 35 home runs and 100 RBI, he will be a success while rehabbing his surgically repaired elbow, so he can join the Dodger starting rotation in the 2025 season.
