The Los Angeles Dodgers felt the presence of Shohei Ohtani in every sense during his first season with the team as he encapsulated the fanbase with his game-changing ability, fierce competitiveness and desire to win.
Among other accolades Ohtani earned in 2024 were the National League Hank Aaron Award, Edgar Martinez Outstanding Designated Hitter, NL Outstanding Player as part of the Players Choice Awards, and third unanimous MVP win.
Ohtani joined Frank Robinson as the only two players in MLB history to win MVP in both the NL and American League.
Batting .310/.390/.646 with 38 doubles, seven triples, 54 home runs, 134 runs scored, 130 RBI and a 181 wRC+ while stealing 59 bases, Ohtani raised the expectation for what a superstar can do.
Ohtani also was mindful of breaking the Dodgers home run record that once belonged to Shawn Green, per Beth Harris of the Associated Press:
“I kind of wanted to get over that bar,” he said. “I was pleasantly surprised I was able to pass that record.”
Green held the Dodgers record since hitting 49 home runs in 2001. Cody Bellinger came close to breaking that mark when he slugged 47 homers en route to being named NL MVP in 2019.
Ohtani not only broke Green’s Dodgers home run record, he did so in historic fashion by establishing the 50-50 club.
What to expect from Shohei Ohtani in 2025
Once he is fully healed from offseason left shoulder surgery that repaired a torn labrum, which he sustained during Game 2 of the World Series, the Dodgers should receive the full Ohtani experience.
For the time being, Ohtani is expected to be recovered in time to be in the Dodgers lineup for the Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs. The team has not yet shared when Ohtani will make his return to the mound in 2025, but that likely won’t come any earlier than May.
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