The Los Angeles Dodgers are currently navigating a period of significant strain on their pitching staff, with numerous injuries affecting their rotation. Amid this situation, the team and its fans eagerly anticipate the eventual mound debut of Shohei Ohtani.
Ohtani is currently undergoing a cautious and methodical recovery from elbow surgery. This approach is understandable, given the substantial investment the Dodgers made in him with the 10-year, $700 million contract he signed last year.
Los Angeles Dodgers Must Have a Plan For Shohei Ohtani After Pitching Career
While some have suggested that Ohtani’s value might be maximized by focusing solely on his hitting prowess, MLB pundit Bob Nightengale has offered an intriguing perspective on the two-way star’s long-term future.
“I’d be more curious to see what happens after next year,” Nightengale told Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain. “I think he’ll be in the rotation again in 2026, then we’ll see what happens. I think his sheer love is just as a hitter. So it’ll be fascinating in a couple of years if he gives up pitching, what do you do? Do they put him in the outfield? Obviously, a great athlete, probably would be a waste as a full-time DH since his athleticism is so good.”
Nightengale notes that Ohtani has experience as an outfielder from his time in Japan, suggesting this as a potential avenue if he transitions away from pitching. He also proposes another possible long-term position.
“And if he’s not in the outfield, you can certainly put him at first base when Freddie Freeman retires, something like that.”
Ultimately, Nightengale believes that Ohtani’s days as a starting pitcher may be numbered, given his exceptional abilities at the plate.
“I think one more for sure, after this. I think 2026 — we’ll see what happens if there’s a work stoppage or anything like that in 2027 — but I think that’s it. I think he pitches because he knows he can do it, fun novelty and stuff, but I think his heart and soul is really into hitting.”