A Star-Studded Defense of the 2024 World Series Title
The Los Angeles Dodgers, fresh off their 2024 World Series victory, are gearing up to defend their championship with an even more formidable roster. The team’s aggressive offseason saw the addition of Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki, left-hander Blake Snell, relievers Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates, infielder Hyeseong Kim, and outfielder Michael Conforto. These acquisitions have pushed the team’s payroll to an unprecedented $379 million, setting a new record for the highest payroll in baseball history. The Dodgers are undeniably the favorites to repeat, and their fans are buzzing with excitement about the possibilities this season holds.
The Irreplaceable Shohei Ohtani
At the heart of the Dodgers’ roster is Shohei Ohtani, the global superstar who has been nothing short of a phenomenon in Major League Baseball. Ohtani, who won his third MVP award in 2024 (his first in the National League), has become baseball’s first 50-50 player, a unique designation for his ability to excel both at the plate and on the mound. This season promises to be even more exciting for Ohtani, as he makes his return to pitching after recovering from elbow surgery. On Saturday, Ohtani took a significant step forward by throwing his first bullpen session at the Dodgers’ spring training complex in Glendale, Arizona. Throwing 14 pitches, including two-seam and four-seam fastballs, he reached speeds of 92 to 94 mph, much to the delight of the assembled reporters and fans.
Ohtani’s Return to the Mound
For a first day back, Ohtani’s performance was impressive. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was pleased with the session, noting that Ohtani was focusing on his velocity and the depth and movement of his two-seamer. "For a first day, that’s great," Roberts said. "He was looking early on velocity, and then he was looking for his two-seamer, the depth and movement of the two-seamer. So just to kind of line it with what he feels. But it’s interesting that he’s very good at knowing what his stuff does, and so a lot of his thoughts line up with what the metric says." Roberts projects that Ohtani could face hitters by the end of spring training, before the team departs for Tokyo to play a two-game series against the Chicago Cubs on March 18-19. However, Ohtani is not expected to pitch in any Cactus League games and is projected to return to the mound sometime in May.
A Deep and Talented Pitching Rotation
Until Ohtani is ready to pitch, the Dodgers are set to work with a five-man rotation featuring Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and Sasaki. The fifth spot will be a competitive one, with up to six pitchers vying for the role, including Tony Gonsolin, Dustin May, and Bobby Miller. This depth ensures that the Dodgers will remain strong in the pitching department even without Ohtani. Each of these pitchers brings a unique set of skills to the table, making the Dodgers’ rotation one of the most dominant in the league.
Ohtani’s Pitching Legacy
Ohtani’s best season as a pitcher came in 2022, when he made 28 starts and finished with a 15-9 record, a 2.33 ERA, and 219 strikeouts in 166 innings. Over his career, Ohtani has maintained a 3.01 ERA with a striking rate of 11.4 Ks per nine innings in 86 starts. These numbers highlight his exceptional talent and the impact he can have on the mound. His return to pitching in 2025 is highly anticipated, as it will mark the first time he has taken the mound in a major league game since August 23, 2023. The Dodgers and their fans are eagerly awaiting his full return, confident that he will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in baseball.
The Road Ahead
As the Dodgers prepare to defend their title, the combination of Ohtani’s return to the mound, the additions to the roster, and the team’s overall depth make them a force to be reckoned with. The upcoming season promises to be filled with thrilling moments and memorable performances, both from Ohtani and the rest of the team. The Dodgers’ fans are ready to support their champions, and the rest of the league will be watching closely as the Dodgers embark on their quest to repeat as World Series champions.
