How to persuade Shohei Ohtani not to pitch in the Classic? Dodgers President: Focused on the next eight years

Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-way star Shohei Ohtani will focus exclusively on hitting in this World Baseball Classic and will not take the mound. Dodgers Baseball Operations President Andrew Friedman stated today that considering post-surgery load management and long-term strategies, the goal for Ohtani and the team is for him to keep pitching for the next eight years. The team plans to have him pitch during the later stages of spring training to help him rejoin the starting rotation as soon as possible.

Friedman pointed out that Ohtani officially returned to pitching last year and continued through October. This year, the team’s timeline also extends through the postseason. With long-term health and competitive strategy in mind, the Dodgers hope Ohtani can consistently take the mound for many years to come.

“He wants to keep pitching for the next eight years, and we share that goal,” Friedman said. Although Ohtani’s strong competitive spirit initially made him somewhat reluctant about this arrangement, both sides reached an agreement after thorough communication.

Regarding the timing of his formal return to the starting rotation, Friedman revealed that as long as Ohtani completes the planned adjustments while in Japan, the team will schedule him to pitch in the latter part of Major League spring training, aiming for an early return to the starting rotation.

On another note, Ohtani also completed his first live batting practice of the season today, throwing 18 pitches to four batters, with a top speed of about 158 km/h, receiving high praise for his overall performance. When asked about Cy Young Award prospects, Friedman did not rule out the possibility. “It’s hard to say for sure, but the fact that he says so shows he feels a strong sense of mission in pitching. And when he carries that sense of purpose, it often leads to great outcomes.”