Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Secret Plan: “They’re Preventing Him from Pitching”

Shohei Ohtani is one of the most exciting and unique talents in the world of professional sports today. The Japanese star, who plays for the Los Angeles Angels, is one of the few players in Major League Baseball (MLB) capable of both pitching and hitting at an elite level. His skills have captured the imagination of fans and analysts, and his upcoming free agency has sparked widespread speculation about where he might play next. Among the teams frequently mentioned in the conversation are the Los Angeles Dodgers.

In recent months, there have been murmurs and rumors about the Dodgers potentially having a secret plan involving Ohtani. Specifically, there’s been talk that the team might prevent him from pitching. The reason behind this potential move remains a topic of much debate, and it raises several questions about the future of Ohtani’s career and how the Dodgers might be positioning themselves for success both now and in the future.

In this piece, we will explore the possibility of a “secret plan” between Ohtani and the Dodgers, why it might make sense for both parties, and how it could reshape the future of MLB and Ohtani’s career.

Shohei Ohtani’s journey to MLB fame is nothing short of remarkable. Hailing from Japan, Ohtani quickly became a superstar in the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league, playing for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. His combination of pitching and hitting prowess was unmatched, and his dual-threat ability drew the attention of MLB scouts across the world.

When Ohtani decided to make the leap to Major League Baseball, the MLB world was abuzz with excitement. In 2017, he signed with the Los Angeles Angels, and since then, he has lived up to all the hype. Ohtani’s offensive numbers are staggering, and his pitching abilities have made him one of the most feared arms in the game. As of 2025, Ohtani continues to be one of the league’s top performers, breaking records both at the plate and on the mound.

But Ohtani’s success has also raised questions. As an elite two-way player, his workload has been a topic of concern. Many worry about the physical toll that being a two-way player takes on his body, especially as he ages and enters the more demanding part of his career.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are one of the most successful franchises in MLB history. With a legacy of winning and a front office known for making bold, forward-thinking moves, the Dodgers have consistently been at the forefront of innovation and success. In recent years, they have added a number of star players, including Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Trea Turner, solidifying their position as perennial contenders.

For the Dodgers, Ohtani represents an opportunity to add a transcendent talent to their roster. However, as much as Ohtani is known for his rare two-way ability, the Dodgers’ front office may view him differently than other teams. They may be thinking about a future where Ohtani focuses solely on his hitting, preventing him from pitching in order to maximize his career longevity and overall impact.

It is not unusual for the Dodgers to develop long-term plans that involve a shift in roles for players. The team’s medical and analytical departments are some of the most advanced in baseball, and they have developed a reputation for managing players’ workloads carefully. This is particularly relevant when it comes to Ohtani, whose pitching workload could present challenges as he gets older.

1. Injury Prevention
   One of the most obvious reasons the Dodgers might want to prevent Ohtani from pitching is to mitigate the risk of injury. Ohtani has already experienced injury setbacks during his career, particularly with his arm. Pitching is an extremely physically demanding role, and Ohtani’s Tommy John surgery in 2018 serves as a reminder of the strain that comes with being a two-way player.

   By focusing solely on hitting, Ohtani could reduce the wear and tear on his body, ensuring that he remains healthy and productive for a longer period of time. Given that Ohtani is entering his prime years, the Dodgers may believe that he could still have a long and successful career as a hitter without the strain of pitching.

2. Maximizing Offensive Production
   Ohtani’s bat is perhaps his most valuable asset. Even in a year where he is not pitching, Ohtani’s offensive numbers are often among the best in the league. His ability to hit for power, average, and speed makes him an incredibly dangerous hitter. With the designated hitter rule now in effect across both leagues, there are more opportunities for Ohtani to focus on hitting without having to worry about his pitching workload.

   By allowing Ohtani to concentrate exclusively on hitting, the Dodgers could maximize his offensive production. Ohtani’s ability to hit 40 or more home runs in a season while maintaining a high on-base percentage would make him one of the most potent hitters in MLB. His potential to drive in runs, hit for power, and get on base could make him a fixture in the middle of the Dodgers’ lineup for years to come.

3. Preserving Longevity
   Another important factor is Ohtani’s longevity. While Ohtani is still young and at the height of his powers, there is always the possibility that his body will start to break down under the immense physical strain of being a two-way player. By preventing Ohtani from pitching, the Dodgers may be looking at a scenario where they can preserve his career for a longer period of time, allowing him to be a consistent offensive force without the risk of burning out.
4. The Future of the DH Role
   The designated hitter (DH) role has been a major game-changer in recent seasons, especially with its introduction in the National League. This could be a key reason why the Dodgers would want to bring Ohtani on board as a full-time hitter. The DH role allows a player to focus on their hitting without having to worry about fielding or pitching.

   For the Dodgers, having Ohtani as their DH would make a lot of sense. His bat could provide a steady source of production in the middle of the lineup, and the team could build around him without needing to manage his pitching workload. This would allow the Dodgers to get the best version of Ohtani as a hitter while reducing the risk of injury from pitching.

If the Dodgers do indeed have a secret plan to prevent Ohtani from pitching, the implementation would likely be a gradual process. It is important to note that Ohtani himself has expressed a desire to continue pitching, and it would be difficult for any team to take that away from him outright. However, the Dodgers could offer him a more structured and controlled approach to his career, giving him the chance to focus on hitting without forcing him into a situation where he has to risk injury on the mound.

1. Pitching as a Limited Option
   The Dodgers could introduce a system where Ohtani pitches only sparingly, perhaps in spot starts or in relief roles. This would allow Ohtani to maintain his pitching ability but at a reduced risk to his arm. By limiting his pitching appearances, the team could ensure that he stays healthy while still maintaining his two-way skills, but with a much more cautious approach.
2. Transitioning into a Full-Time Hitter
   As Ohtani ages and his body matures, the Dodgers could gradually phase out his pitching career altogether, transitioning him into a full-time hitter. This would be a delicate process, as it would require Ohtani to adjust mentally and physically to a new role. However, the Dodgers’ medical and coaching staff would likely be able to provide the support necessary to help him make this transition seamlessly.
3. Balancing Ohtani’s Desire with Team Goals
   One of the most challenging aspects of this “secret plan” would be balancing Ohtani’s desire to pitch with the team’s long-term goals. Ohtani’s value as a pitcher is enormous, and it would be hard for any player to step away from that role entirely. However, the Dodgers could approach this in a way that helps Ohtani focus on his career longevity while still allowing him to pursue his passion for pitching in limited doses.

Shohei Ohtani is one of the most talented and unique players in baseball history. His ability to pitch and hit at an elite level makes him a once-in-a-generation talent. As Ohtani approaches free agency, speculation about his future continues to grow, with the Los Angeles Dodgers being one of the most frequently mentioned teams.

If the Dodgers are indeed planning to prevent Ohtani from pitching, it could be a strategic move aimed at preserving his long-term health and maximizing his offensive production. While Ohtani’s desire to pitch may conflict with this plan, the Dodgers could find a way to balance his ambitions with their goal of creating a sustainable and successful team. In the end, the Dodgers may be positioning themselves to secure one of the greatest players of all time, while ensuring that Ohtani’s career remains as productive and long-lasting as possible.

As Ohtani’s free agency nears, it will be fascinating to see how the Dodgers navigate this situation and whether this “secret plan” is the key to securing his future in Los Angeles.