It only took one season for the Los Angeles Dodgers to win the World Series after signing two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani to a 10-year, $700 million contract in December 2023. The future Hall of Famer wasn’t even at full strength then.
Ohtani slashed .310/.390/.646 with 54 homers, 130 RBIs, and 59 stolen bases over 159 games last year, but he didn’t pitch due to a UCL injury. The 6-foot-3-inch, 210-pounder was a high-level starter before the ailment, as he notched a 3.18, 2.33 and 3.14 ERA in 2021, 2022, and 2023 for the Los Angeles Angels, respectively.
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Ohtani is getting back to that level now, as he has a 3.29 ERA in 13 starts this year. That’s why the 31-year-old might pitch in the playoffs for the first time in his career, via The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya.
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) might get to pitch in the postseason.Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
“Shohei Ohtani’s next pitching start will be Tuesday in Arizona. A week from that would be Game 1 of the NL Wild Card Series,” he reported. “Their rotation for that isn’t set in stone, but can piece some things together there.”
Ohtani has tossed 8.2 scoreless innings in September after recording a 5.71 ERA in August. He also has 54 strikeouts against just nine walks, averaging just 0.69 free passes per outing.
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On top of that, Ohtani is hot at the plate as usual. He’s slashing .338/.456/.769 with seven homers and 13 RBIs this month.
Dodgers Are Stacked With Two-Way Shohei Ohtani
Ohtani never made the playoffs with the Angels from 2018 to 2023 due to the lack of skill around him other than fellow superstar Mike Trout. However, it’s a different situation with the Dodgers.
In addition to Ohtani, they have shortstop Mookie Betts and first baseman Freddie Freeman, who have OPSs of .740 and .854, respectively. Meanwhile, center fielder Andy Pages is slashing .281/.321/.470 with 25 homers and 82 RBIs, while right fielder Teoscar Hernandez has 24 homers and 84 RBIs.
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As for the pitching staff, ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto is fourth in baseball with a 2.58 ERA and sixth with a 0.99 WHIP. Former All-Stars Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell are also back from injury and have a 3.06 and 2.44 ERA, respectively.
That’s a roster that would likely make the playoffs without the first two-way star since Babe Ruth. Now that Ohtani is back on the mound while also wreaking havoc offensively, the Dodgers have an advantage that nobody else does.
Shohei Ohtani’s NL MVP Odds in 2025 Season
Ohtani belted his 53rd home run of the season Saturday night in the Dodgers’ win over the San Francisco Giants, pulling even with Kyle Schwarber for the National League lead.
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It comes as no surprise that the two-way superstar is the overwhelming favorite to capture NL MVP honors. According to DraftKings Sportsbook, Ohtani sits at -20,000 (bet $20,000 to win $100) to take home the award.
As of Sunday afternoon, Ohtani is batting .283 with 99 RBIs. Schwarber (+1900), meanwhile, owns a .243 average with 129 RBIs. But Ohtani’s additional value on the mound — where he has a 1.07 WHIP and 11.9 strikeouts per nine innings — clearly tips the odds in his favor.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Sep 20, 2025, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.