Dec 06, 2024 (News On Japan) - Japanese baseball star Shohei Ohtani proved moving to the Los Angeles Dodgers as a free agent was a good move when he won the World Series with the MLB franchise back in October.
The Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees 4-1 in that series.
It capped off another great season for Shohei Ohtani, who was named the MVP for a third time in the league. He became the first player in the league’s history to record 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in the same season.
Another Big Year Expected from Dodgers
The Dodgers are the +400 favorites with ESPN BET to defend their crown in the World Series in 2025. The sportsbook is welcoming new users at ESPN BET by giving them up to $1000 in free bets when placing a $10 opening bet on the MLB.
No team has won back-to-back World Series titles since the Yankees in 2000, however, if any franchise is shaped to do that, it's the Dodgers. With Ohtani, MLB World Series MVP Freddie Freeman, and Mookie Betts on their roster, they have a lot of firepower.
Los Angeles is also expected to pursue opportunities in the free agency to add to their roster. The franchise has been linked with Juan Soto. He has left the Yankees following just a year with the Bronx-based team.
Ohtani Will Pitch Again In 2025
The Dodgers’ Japanese player was unable to pitch in 2024 as he was recovering from shoulder surgery he had in late 2023. The franchise on the West Coast expects him to be available as a pitcher in the second half of the 2024 season, which will strengthen their options at the position.
Los Angeles travel to Tokyo in early March to face the Chicago Cubs, and Ohtani will be a designated hitter for that series. He showed in 2024 that he can still play a large role, even when not playing as a pitcher.
The Dodgers will be hoping Ohtani returns to pitch in time for the playoffs in 2025. He is considered one of the best pitchers in the sport, so to have him available for the postseason will be a big boost to their chances of a repeat success in the World Series.
Contract Shaped to Help the Dodgers
Ohtani made history earlier this year when he signed the largest sports contract in history. He penned a 10-year deal with the Dodgers, which was worth $700 million. However, the deal was unique in that the three-time MVP will be paid an annual salary of $2 million, with the $68 million per year paid between 2034 and 2042.
If the Dodgers had to pay the $70 million annual contract over 10 years, they would not have the cap space to sign other big stars in the league. The Ohtani deal means they can still compete with their rivals when it comes to signing players to improve their roster.
The 2025 MLB season begins on March 18, with the regular season running through to March 28.
