The winter market was a positive one for Los Angeles Dodgers with additions that strengthened the roster and cemented them as favorites to repeat as World Series champions, a bet that Shohei Ohtani himself reiterated during this weekend’s DodgerFest.
Ohtani was asked about his goal for the 2025 season and did not mince words, explaining that if he proposed that a large percentage of the payments of his 10-year, $700 million contract be deferred, it was to be backed by a quality team that would allow him to be champion every season
“The reason I signed with the Dodgers is to win the World Series every year for the next nine years,” Ohtani said through an interpreter, in a clear message that is accompanied by the recent signings of the Los Angeles Dodgers, which were led by Cy Young winner Blake Snell and the arrival of Japanese phenomenon Roki Sasaki.
Ohtani unlikely to pitch until May
The Dodgers are scheduled to report for the start of Spring Training in Arizona on February 10, to begin their preparations for the Japan Series that opens the season against the Chicago Cubs on March 18 and 19 in Tokyo, where Ohtani is ruled out to pitch.
“I’ve been able to train every day and I’m looking forward to being ready in time for spring training and the season,” Ohtani said, although he stressed that he must take his rehabilitation as scheduled. “Shoulder surgery is a complicated surgery compared to elbow surgery… I had to work on the range of motion. There is some residual effect on the labrum.”
Although he is expected to return to the mound in May, the two-way star confessed that he cannot pinpoint exactly when he will return, but will know more when he holds his first bullpen session.
“Then I think we’ll really have an idea of when I’ll be able to be on a Major League mound,” Ohtani concluded.
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