Shohei Ohtani 2025: Bold Predictions for Batting, HRs, and Stolen Bases!
Former Major Leaguer Ryota Igarashi, Major League Baseball expert Nachi Tomonari and Ryoichi Fukushima discuss in-depth!
A two-year consecutive RBI title is also expected
Fukushima: Last season, he started as the second batter, but due to Mookie Betts’ (32) injury in mid-June, he moved to the leadoff spot. Even after Betts returned in August, Ohtani continued to lead off. What do you think his batting order will be this season?
Tomonari: With his return as a pitcher, I feel that batting leadoff might be too much for him. Considering his physical condition, I think he will return to the second spot.
Igarashi: I’m not sure. Last year, Ohtani batting leadoff seemed to bring momentum to the team. While there is certainly concern about his physical condition, he’s a player who continues to evolve, so I believe he’ll handle it without any problem.
Fukushima: I believe that the lineup of Ohtani, Betts, and Freddie Freeman (35) will remain the same, even if Ohtani returns as a pitcher. By placing Betts, a right-handed hitter, between two left-handed hitters like Ohtani and Freeman, it makes it harder for opposing teams to manage their pitching. Also, the desire to maintain the momentum from last year will play a role, so I predict Ohtani will continue to be used as the leadoff hitter.
Tomonari: So, a stable leadoff position. I think the burden on Ohtani will be significant, but for the team, that’s the best option. Ohtani prioritizes the team’s victory over his personal condition, so it’s highly likely.
Igarashi: Additionally, the Dodgers strengthened their lower batting order this offseason by acquiring Michael Conforto (31) from the San Francisco Giants, so it’s likely that Ohtani will have more opportunities to bat with runners in scoring position. Considering that, his RBIs could increase from last year’s 130, and I expect him to compete for the RBI title for the second consecutive year.
Fukushima: In last season’s batting title race, he finished second with a .310 average, just four points behind Luis Arraez (27, Padres), who won the title with a .314 average, missing out on the Triple Crown. However, if he shows the same incredible focus he displayed at the end of last season, winning the batting title this year is possible. It’s entirely possible for him to surpass last year’s batting average and claim the Triple Crown.
Igarashi: We don’t know how his return to pitching will affect his hitting until the season begins, but I’m hopeful.
The discussion on Shohei Ohtani for 2025 continues in part two!
Ryota Igarashi
Born in 1979 in Hokkaido. After thriving with the Yakult Swallows from 1998 to 2009, he moved to the United States and pitched for the Mets, Blue Jays, and Yankees until 2012. He is currently working as a baseball commentator.
Nachi Tomonari
Born in 1956 in Aomori Prefecture. Since 2004, he has contributed to the Major League Complete Player Guide and has written for various media outlets as a Major League Baseball critic and sports writer.
Ryoichi Fukushima
Born in 1956 in Chiba Prefecture. Since his first visit to the U.S. in 1973, he has continued to watch Major League Baseball games in person every year. He is currently a sports writer and commentator for MLB broadcasts.
From “FRIDAY” February 21–28, 2025 combined issue.
PHOTO： AFLO
