The Los Angeles Dodgers have long been a dominant force in Major League Baseball, but for all their success, they’ve consistently faced one significant weakness: a lack of consistent pitching depth, particularly in the postseason. The Dodgers have often fielded high-powered offenses that could put up runs in bunches, but when the games mattered most—during the dog days of October—that weakness became glaring. Over the past few seasons, the Dodgers have made a series of moves to shore up this pitching gap, and in doing so, they’ve positioned themselves for another run at a World Series title. But in 2025, with an eye on long-term sustainability, the team has also begun to turn to another tactic that could change the trajectory of their franchise: Shohei Ohtani.
Ohtani, the two-way superstar, has become a generational talent. The unique combination of elite pitching and hitting makes him the kind of player who can immediately transform a team’s fortunes. For the Dodgers, a team that has always prided itself on bringing in top-tier talent and competing for championships, Ohtani represents a golden opportunity to not just shore up their pitching but also add a once-in-a-lifetime bat to their lineup. The strategic combination of improved pitching and the addition of Ohtani has created the perfect storm for the Dodgers as they look to make another deep postseason run in 2025, with the ultimate goal being to reach and win another World Series.
Over the past few seasons, the Dodgers have faced questions about their pitching staff’s ability to perform in the postseason. While they’ve managed to dominate the regular season, the team has often struggled when it came to facing off against other elite teams in October. Their pitchers have frequently found themselves overexposed or not delivering in the high-pressure environment of playoff games. The likes of Clayton Kershaw, while legendary, has had his struggles in the postseason. As incredible as he is in the regular season, his October performances have often been overshadowed by mistakes and misfortune. Beyond Kershaw, the team’s starting rotation, though talented, has often been plagued by injuries and inconsistency.
In recent years, the front office, led by Andrew Friedman, has made a series of shrewd moves to address this weakness. In 2023, the Dodgers brought in starting pitchers like Julio Urías and Tony Gonsolin, bolstering their rotation depth. But even with these additions, there were still concerns about whether they could maintain their level of excellence in the postseason. The 2024 season saw the team make an even bigger splash with the acquisition of ace-level pitchers and some depth pieces in the bullpen, but again, the question remained whether this would be enough to get them over the hump in October. While the Dodgers have been able to pile up regular season wins, their postseason struggles have been a major point of frustration for the franchise.
That’s where Ohtani comes in.
Ohtani is not just a star—he is an entire game-changer. The ability to throw 100 mph fastballs while also belting 40+ home runs a season is something that hasn’t been seen in the sport for a century. His versatility allows him to not only contribute as a pitcher but also provide a dynamic bat that can rival even the most feared power hitters in the league. Adding Ohtani to the Dodgers’ lineup gives them an additional level of flexibility and firepower that few teams can match. His presence is not just about his ability to hit or pitch—it’s about the fear he instills in opposing teams. Whether he’s on the mound or at the plate, Ohtani demands attention and careful game-planning.
From a pitching standpoint, Ohtani would offer a level of consistency and dominance that the Dodgers have lacked in key moments during the postseason. His ability to shut down opposing lineups would make him an invaluable asset in the playoff rotation. As a hitter, he provides a potent force in the middle of the Dodgers’ already-dangerous lineup. And when you look at his unique ability to excel in both facets of the game, it becomes clear that he has the potential to transform the Dodgers into a much more complete team.
The Dodgers’ offense, one of the most potent in baseball for several years, has become even more formidable with the addition of Ohtani. A lineup already featuring players like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Will Smith now has another dynamic threat that can change a game with one swing. Adding Ohtani’s bat provides the Dodgers with a level of offensive depth that very few teams can match, especially during the postseason when every at-bat becomes critical. Ohtani doesn’t just bring power—he brings consistency and elite performance over the course of an entire season, something the Dodgers can rely on in big moments.
Perhaps the most critical component of this move is the ability to bring together two elements that have plagued the Dodgers for years: starting pitching and offensive depth. In a typical postseason series, a team like the Dodgers will need to rely on its top pitchers to win tight, low-scoring games. With Ohtani in the fold, they not only have a potential ace in the rotation but also a threat in the lineup who can swing the momentum of a game. When the Dodgers have been successful in recent years, it’s been with an offense that could outslug the competition. However, the postseason requires more than just hitting—teams need pitchers who can deliver in high-leverage situations. Ohtani provides that dual-threat solution, addressing two of the Dodgers’ biggest needs in one fell swoop.
There’s also an element of timing to this move. Ohtani’s contract status has become a focal point in 2025, as his future with the Los Angeles Angels has been a major topic of discussion. For the Dodgers, now is the perfect time to capitalize on the opportunity. The team has long been known for its ability to make aggressive moves when they need to—whether through player acquisitions or trades—and adding Ohtani to the roster is a bold statement of their intentions. It would not only solidify their chances in the short term but also position them as a perennial World Series contender for years to come.
In the broader context of the MLB, the acquisition of Ohtani would be a signal to the rest of the league that the Dodgers are not just here to contend—they’re here to win. While many teams have loaded up on high-powered offenses in an effort to outslug the competition, the Dodgers are focusing on building a balanced roster that can compete in all areas of the game. In the 2025 season, with the addition of Ohtani, they would become a formidable powerhouse that few teams would want to face, especially in the postseason.
Ohtani’s potential arrival would also have a profound impact on the Dodgers’ culture. Known for their laid-back, yet focused, atmosphere, the team has long been a blend of experienced veterans and young, hungry players. Ohtani, as an international icon, would bring a new level of global attention to the team. His presence would not only provide a tangible on-field impact but also elevate the Dodgers’ brand on a worldwide scale. His work ethic, professionalism, and dedication to both pitching and hitting would be a model for younger players to emulate. In a clubhouse already full of talented individuals, Ohtani would fit seamlessly into the culture of excellence that the Dodgers have cultivated over the years.
As the Dodgers prepare for their 2025 campaign, it’s clear that the combination of bolstered pitching depth and the potential addition of Ohtani will be central to their strategy. In a league where pitching often wins championships, the Dodgers now find themselves with one of the best pitchers in the game, as well as an MVP-caliber bat. With the postseason always a bit unpredictable, the Dodgers will be relying on Ohtani’s unique ability to affect a game in multiple ways. His addition isn’t just about improving the roster—it’s about putting the team in the best possible position to win when it matters most.
Ultimately, the Dodgers’ quest for another World Series title will hinge on a variety of factors, but with the added support of Shohei Ohtani, they now have the tools to address their biggest weaknesses. If everything falls into place, 2025 could be the year that the Dodgers once again reach the summit of baseball, with Ohtani leading them toward the elusive championship that has been just out of reach for too long.
