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Shohei Ohtani has been a standout player for the Los Angeles Angels over the past six years, showcasing his incredible talents as both a hitter and a pitcher. However, despite his impressive achievements, he had never played in the postseason due to the Los Angeles struggles, which left him sidelined every October.
Moving to the Los Angeles Dodgers has dramatically changed Ohtani's narrative. "I'm just like the fans," said All-Star teammate Mookie Betts, expressing excitement about seeing Ohtani compete in the playoffs.
Ohtani's heroics
While Ohtani is still recovering from a second major elbow surgery, which limits his pitching contributions, his impact as a hitter is unparalleled. This season, he made history by becoming the first player in Major League Baseball to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season, finishing with 54 home runs and 59 stolen bases. He came close to winning the National League Triple Crown, leading the league in homers and RBIs (130), while finishing second in batting average at .310.
His exceptional performance helped the Dodgers achieve a remarkable 98-64 record, marking their third time in five years to finish with the best record in MLB and securing the National League West title for the 11th time in 12 seasons.
Now, for the first time in his career, Ohtani will compete in the postseason as the Dodgers face the San Diego Padres in the NL Division Series. This is a significant moment not only for Ohtani but also for baseball, as it enhances the postseason experience by including one of the sport's biggest stars.
"I do think that the postseason is going to be different from the World Baseball Classic, considering that we did have a week off," Ohtani said through an interpreter, via Gonzalez. "So I'm doing the best I can to make sure that my first at-bat is really good."
Shohei Ohtani's Dodgers performance
Historically, MLB has been deprived of its best players in high-stakes playoff moments. Ohtani's rise follows Mike Trout, who, despite his brilliance, made only one postseason appearance during his prime. Even together in Anaheim, Ohtani and Trout couldn’t elevate the team’s performance. Ohtani’s decision to join the Dodgers has shifted this narrative. His presence in the playoffs promises thrilling moments that fans have longed for, as he steps into high-pressure situations that showcase his abilities.
The 2024 regular season served as a remarkable preview for Ohtani, who had the best offensive performance of his career. His role as the leadoff hitter emerged when Mookie Betts was injured, further underlining his importance to the lineup. Ohtani has consistently demonstrated an ability to rise to the occasion in crucial moments. His performance in the World Baseball Classic last year, where he closed games for Team Japan, exemplifies this. While his potential return to the mound during the postseason remains uncertain, the possibility adds an extra layer of excitement.
Ultimately, Ohtani’s postseason debut represents a significant moment for both him and baseball, as fans eagerly anticipate seeing the sport's brightest star shine on its biggest stage.
What next?
He'll begin his postseason career against Padres starter Dylan Cease, who finished the regular season with a 3.47 ERA to go along with a 14-11 record in 33 starts.
Game 1 is on Saturday at 8:38 p.m. ET.
