When the Los Angeles Dodgers signed Shohei Ohtani to a record-setting contract, they knew they were adding a generational talent to their roster.
However, Ohtani’s value extends beyond his production on the field. He has also been praised by several players for the impact he makes in the clubhouse.
Kiké Hernández discussed what it was like being teammates with Ohtani during the 2024 season. “He’s been great,” Hernández began.
“He’s got a lot bigger personality than what any of us expected. He likes to joke around a lot. He likes to have a good time. He has this childish energy to him, which is great.
“I think that allows him to disconnect from the fact that there’s this huge pressure on his shoulders because that’s what comes with not only being the greatest player in the game but potentially, possibly, be the best ever. He’s been a joy to watch.
“I think Kersh said this a couple days ago, and I say the same thing, I love being his teammate. I love watching how he goes about his business, putting an MVP season together while rehabbing Tommy John surgery, that’s borderline mind-blowing.
“I think my favorite part about Shohei is that we can be on a bus ride to San Diego, and the bus ride, it looks like a party bus, or we could be on a flight where there’s music blasting throughout the plane, and he’s just sitting in his chair reading comics. That’s just Sho. He’s amazing.”
Hernández previously expressed a desire to be teammates with Ohtani when he was a free agent last offseason. Ohtani joining the Dodgers may have played a role in Hernández deciding to re-sign with the team as well.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tyler Glasnow are among other players who acknowledged that Ohtani’s presence factored into their decision to sign a long-term contract with the Dodgers.
That could be a continuing theme this offseason as Juan Soto, the top free-agent position player, has also stated that he would like to team up with Ohtani. Roki Sasaki, who is being posted by the Chiba Lotte Marines, could also be influenced by his fellow countryman.
Mark Walter: Dodgers ‘owed’ Shohei Ohtani
Ohtani deferred all but $20 million of the total value of his contract so that the Dodgers could have maximum flexibility to their roster construction around him.
Dodgers principal owner Mark Walter felt that the Dodgers bore a responsibility to Ohtani to put the best team on the field after he made a significant financial sacrifice.
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