When it counts, Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers have a strategy to be unbeatable.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have long been a force in Major League Baseball, consistently competing at a high level year in and year out. But for all their dominance, there has been one glaring gap in their otherwise impeccable resume—World Series titles. Despite their regular-season success, the Dodgers have struggled to capture the ultimate prize in baseball, falling short in key moments when the postseason pressure peaks. Enter Shohei Ohtani, the modern baseball unicorn, whose unique combination of pitching and hitting prowess has taken the baseball world by storm.
Ohtani’s addition to the Dodgers would not only solidify their place as a perennial contender but could also provide the missing piece in their World Series puzzle. In this article, we’ll examine how the Dodgers can leverage Ohtani’s multifaceted skills and their existing roster to craft a strategy that makes them unbeatable, especially when it matters most in October.
1. The Dodgers’ Need for a Postseason Hero:
The Dodgers have had their share of postseason heartbreaks, notably in the 2017 and 2018 World Series losses, as well as a disappointing early exit in the 2021 NLCS. While the regular season has been a showcase of their talent, it’s in the postseason where the true challenge lies. The playoff environment is unforgiving, where small mistakes can lead to elimination, and the pressure can either make or break a player.
Key figures like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Clayton Kershaw have all been integral in the team’s success, but none have been able to fully carry the team through the final stage of the postseason. The addition of Ohtani, with his dual-threat ability to pitch and hit, could provide a level of versatility and dominance the Dodgers have never seen before.
2. Ohtani’s Impact as a Two-Way Player:
Shohei Ohtani is, without a doubt, the most unique talent in modern baseball. As a two-way player, he combines elite pitching with extraordinary power hitting. There’s no question that Ohtani is a generational talent, and having him in the lineup and rotation would provide the Dodgers with unparalleled flexibility.
Pitching Prowess: Ohtani’s pitching is dominant. His fastball touches 100 mph, and his split-fingered fastball is one of the best in the league. As a starting pitcher, he can shut down the best lineups, and in the postseason, where pitching is often the deciding factor, his presence on the mound could be a game-changer. His ability to go toe-to-toe with the best postseason pitchers like Max Scherzer, Gerrit Cole, and Justin Verlander would be invaluable.
Hitting Power: As a hitter, Ohtani is a force to be reckoned with. His ability to hit for both power and average, coupled with his speed on the bases, makes him a nightmare for opposing pitchers. In a postseason series, where every run counts, Ohtani’s ability to change the game with a single swing of the bat could provide the Dodgers with the offensive boost they need to overpower any team in the league.
What makes Ohtani even more valuable is his ability to contribute in both aspects of the game on the same day. As a pitcher and hitter, he brings an element of unpredictability that is nearly impossible to plan for. Managers and opposing teams would be forced to adjust their strategies on the fly, unable to fully prepare for both his pitching and hitting prowess.
3. Building Around Ohtani: The Dodgers’ Strategic Depth:
The Dodgers’ strategy, when they inevitably land Ohtani, will be to create a roster that maximizes his talents while also strengthening the areas that have faltered in the postseason. It’s a delicate balancing act of managing his workload and integrating him into an already stacked team.
Pitching Rotation: Ohtani’s ability to slot into the Dodgers’ rotation would instantly make them one of the most feared staffs in the league. With Kershaw, Julio UrÃas, and Tony Gonsolin already in the mix, adding Ohtani gives the Dodgers four legitimate aces. This depth would allow the team to handle any matchup, particularly when it comes to crunch time in the postseason.
Managing Ohtani’s workload would be crucial, however. Given his dual role, there would need to be careful consideration to ensure he doesn’t tire out, particularly during the long postseason grind. The Dodgers’ medical and coaching staff would have to ensure his arm and bat are kept fresh throughout the season, adjusting his playing time as needed.
Offensive Lineup: Offensively, Ohtani slots seamlessly into the heart of the Dodgers’ order. His presence would give the team a legit power hitter that can go toe-to-toe with any slugger in the game. Pairing him with Betts, Freeman, and Will Smith provides one of the most complete and dangerous lineups in baseball.
In the postseason, having Ohtani in the lineup ensures that even if the pitching staff falters, the Dodgers have the firepower to keep up. The depth in the lineup would be overwhelming for opponents, who would have to deal with multiple threats in every inning.
Defensive Flexibility: Though Ohtani is primarily a designated hitter in most situations, his presence could offer defensive flexibility as well. On days when he is not pitching, he could slot into the outfield or as a first baseman if the situation calls for it, allowing the Dodgers to rotate players like Freeman or even experiment with positional matchups. This strategic fluidity would keep opponents guessing and prevent them from exploiting any defensive weaknesses.
4. Postseason Strategy with Ohtani:
In the postseason, strategy becomes everything. The Dodgers would need to build a game plan that fully utilizes Ohtani’s abilities while also managing the potential fatigue of having a player do double duty. Here’s how they can maximize Ohtani’s impact:
Starting Pitcher Strategy: In a postseason series, where starting pitchers play a critical role, Ohtani’s ability to take the mound in Game 1 or Game 2 of a series could set the tone. His presence as a top-tier starting pitcher would allow the Dodgers to go deep into series with confidence. In the event of a tight series, Ohtani’s ability to return as a relief pitcher or pinch-hitter in crucial situations could swing the momentum in the Dodgers’ favor.
Middle of the Lineup Threat: In the lineup, Ohtani would slot as a middle-of-the-order power bat. His presence would allow the Dodgers to hit more consistently with runners on base, and his ability to clear the bases with one swing of the bat would help mitigate any offensive struggles the team might face.
In the postseason, where pitching often tightens and games can come down to a single at-bat, Ohtani’s ability to make those critical hits in clutch situations could be the key to victory.
Relief Options: Given Ohtani’s pitching stamina, the Dodgers could use him in a hybrid relief role. On days following a start, he could come in as a long reliever to help secure a win, or even as a situational closer in high-leverage situations. His ability to step in during crucial moments could provide the Dodgers with an advantage, especially in the high-stakes environment of the postseason.
5. The Psychological Edge:
One often-overlooked aspect of Ohtani’s potential impact is the psychological effect his presence would have on both the Dodgers and their opponents. His otherworldly skill set brings an air of invincibility, and this can have a profound effect on the team’s mentality.
For the Dodgers, having Ohtani on the roster could serve as a source of confidence, knowing they have a player capable of contributing in multiple ways. This kind of confidence is infectious and could lead to more aggressive, yet calculated, play across the board.
For opposing teams, Ohtani’s presence would create a sense of fear and uncertainty. How do you prepare for a player who can both pitch and hit at an elite level? The mental toll it would take on opposing managers and players would be immense. It would likely alter how teams approach series, potentially leading to mistakes that the Dodgers could capitalize on.
Shohei Ohtani’s combination of power, speed, and pitching brilliance offers the Los Angeles Dodgers a unique opportunity to become an unstoppable force in Major League Baseball. By integrating Ohtani’s talents into their already stacked roster, the Dodgers can create a strategy that makes them not only competitive but virtually unbeatable when it counts the most—during the postseason.
The presence of Ohtani would allow the Dodgers to seamlessly blend their pitching, hitting, and defensive strategies, while also providing the mental edge that could prove pivotal in October. With Ohtani, the Dodgers wouldn’t just be another contender; they would be a team on the cusp of greatness, poised to capture that elusive World Series title and cement their place in baseball history.
