Shohei Ohtani's Second Act in Dodger Blue: Can the Miracle Man Defy Limits Again?

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Shohei Ohtani is back, and so is the buzz surrounding one of baseball's most electrifying talents. As he embarks on his second year with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the question isn't just about what he can do—it's about whether he can once again defy the laws of baseball and, well, physics.

The two-way superstar's incredible 2024 season, where he created his own exclusive 50/50 club (54 home runs, 59 stolen bases), has set expectations sky-high. But as Dodgers manager Dave Roberts cautiously points out, repeating last season's mind-boggling stats might be unrealistic. "I don’t think he’s going to get the same number of at-bats, plate appearances, given that he’s going to be pitching," Roberts said. "But as far as performance per plate appearance, I still think he can be just as productive." He’s confident in Ohtani’s ability, but even miracles have their limits—don’t they?

Ohtani’s spring training debut on Friday night was a promising start. His towering home run into the bullpen during a 6-5 win against the Angels reminded everyone why he’s a reigning MVP. "Physically, (I) felt really good," Ohtani said through his interpreter, Will Ireton. And while he didn’t call his shot like Babe Ruth, the parallels are hard to ignore.

Still, the looming return to the mound in May adds a layer of complexity. Last season, Ohtani's offensive juggernaut was fueled by 731 plate appearances—a number unlikely to be repeated once he takes on the grueling demands of pitching every five or six days. Add to that the cautious approach needed to protect his surgically-repaired elbow and labrum, and you begin to see why Roberts is tempering expectations.

But let’s not forget, this is Shohei Ohtani we’re talking about. He’s already rewritten the rulebook on what a player can achieve in a single season. Whether it’s blasting homers, stealing bases, or striking out batters, he operates in a realm most players can only dream of. "Obviously he’s fine, after that home run he hit," joked Yusei Kikuchi of the Angels. "I’m sure he’s going to be able to put up the same numbers this year." That’s optimism, if not outright wishful thinking.

As for the Dodgers, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Fresh off a World Series win and with a payroll nearing $400 million, they’re no longer just contenders—they’re the team to beat. But as team president Stan Kasten wisely noted, baseball isn’t as predictable as other sports. "That is the thing about our sport," he said. "With everything that we’ve done, no one thinks we have more than, what, a 25 percent chance to win the World Series? That means it’s a 75 percent chance that we won’t."

Still, the Dodgers’ investment in Ohtani feels like more than a gamble—it’s a testament to their ambition. Signing him to a heavily deferred contract and committing nearly $1 billion in additional deals signals that they’re aiming for greatness. And why not? As outfielder Teoscar Hernández aptly put it, "If they have the power to do that, why not do it?"

So here we are, at the dawn of another season, watching the miracle man gear up for what could be another unforgettable year. Will he defy expectations once again? Maybe not in the same way. But if there’s one thing Ohtani has taught us, it’s to never doubt his ability to surprise us.