Could Shohei Ohtani Become Baseball’s Most Unstoppable Weapon as a Dodgers Closer Instead of Remaining a Two-Way Superstar?
The Los Angeles Dodgers find themselves in an enviable yet complicated position. On one hand, they possess arguably the most extraordinary player in modern baseball history: Shohei Ohtani. On the other, the challenge lies in managing his health, workload, and long-term impact. With his recent Tommy John surgery preventing him from pitching in the 2024 season, many wonder how he will be reintroduced to the mound. Could the Dodgers, a team rich in pitching depth and known for innovation, consider deploying Ohtani in a role entirely unprecedented for a player of his stature—a lights-out closer?
The idea might sound radical at first glance. After all, Ohtani’s greatest allure lies in his two-way dominance. When healthy, he’s an ace pitcher and a top-tier slugger, a combination that has redefined what’s possible in professional baseball. Yet, there’s a growing chorus of analysts, fans, and even front-office types pondering a pivotal question: could Shohei Ohtani deliver maximum value and minimize injury risk if he transitions into a high-leverage bullpen role, possibly closing games rather than starting them?
To consider this question seriously, one must first appreciate the toll Ohtani’s two-way status places on his body. No player in the modern game attempts what Ohtani does—routinely starting games on the mound while remaining in the batting order nearly every day. His success has come with a heavy physical price. He’s now had two Tommy John surgeries. The Dodgers, having invested $700 million in Ohtani—albeit with much of it deferred—must think about his long-term value, especially as they enter an era focused on sustained contention.
Using Ohtani as a closer would limit his innings pitched while maximizing his impact. Instead of going six or seven innings every fifth day, he could deliver one electric inning three or four times a week. That would allow him to recover more quickly and reduce cumulative strain on his elbow. And with his high-velocity fastball, devastating splitter, and pitching IQ, there’s no doubt Ohtani has the arsenal to dominate in short bursts. In fact, his stuff might be even more unhittable if he doesn’t need to pace himself over 100 pitches. He could ramp up his velocity and go all-out in ways not feasible in a starter’s role.
It’s worth noting that Ohtani has already proven capable of this kind of performance. He pitched in relief during the 2023 World Baseball Classic final against Team USA and struck out none other than Mike Trout to secure the championship for Japan. That image—Ohtani roaring in celebration after striking out Trout—became iconic overnight. It also offered a glimpse of what he could become as a high-leverage bullpen weapon. The entire baseball world saw it: Shohei Ohtani, closer, is not a gimmick. It’s a legitimate option.
The Dodgers are no strangers to reimagining traditional roles. They’ve often employed openers, bullpen games, and hybrid pitchers like Ryan Yarbrough or Tony Gonsolin. If any team has the flexibility and forward-thinking mindset to experiment with an idea like this, it’s Los Angeles. With a deep rotation already in place—Tyler Glasnow, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Bobby Miller, Walker Buehler (when healthy), and others—the Dodgers wouldn’t necessarily need Ohtani in the starting rotation. Instead, he could become the final boss, the nightmare reliever opponents dread seeing in the ninth inning of a one-run game.
Some may argue that using a talent like Ohtani in a closer role would be a waste of his abilities. After all, closers only pitch around 60–70 innings per season, while starters can throw upwards of 150–200. But innings alone don’t define impact. Pitching the ninth inning of a tight postseason game is often more valuable than throwing six innings against a bottom-feeder team in May. In fact, the innings Ohtani would throw as a closer would be high-leverage, often determining the outcome of games. And when October rolls around, those innings become exponentially more meaningful.
Moreover, managing his time on the mound as a closer would simplify the logistics of his two-way responsibilities. The current model—having him start every sixth or seventh day while still DH-ing almost every game—creates endless complications. Off-days, bullpen sessions, and recovery all overlap with hitting responsibilities. The Dodgers have had to juggle Ohtani’s schedule carefully, which limits roster flexibility. As a closer, he wouldn’t need the same recovery time. He could pitch, hit, and rest in a more balanced rhythm. Imagine him coming up to bat in the eighth inning and then jogging out to the mound in the ninth to slam the door shut. It would be unprecedented, cinematic—and potentially devastating for opponents.
One of the biggest arguments in favor of this shift is injury prevention. Pitchers face enormous stress, and two-way players like Ohtani double that risk. He’s already suffered a torn UCL twice. While no role is completely safe, limiting his innings through short relief stints could help preserve his arm for the long haul. Given the length and cost of his contract, the Dodgers have every reason to protect their investment. Asking him to throw 100 pitches every week may not be sustainable. Instead, asking for 15–20 high-octane pitches two or three times a week might extend his pitching career by years.
Still, the cultural and psychological aspects cannot be overlooked. Ohtani sees himself as a starter. That’s how he’s made history, and that’s how he’s built his legacy. Convincing him to shift into a different role—one that is often viewed as less prestigious—would require careful conversations and mutual understanding. However, the opportunity to rewrite baseball norms might appeal to Ohtani’s competitive and trailblazing spirit. No one has ever hit 40+ home runs while also recording 30 saves. Ohtani could do that. He could be the ultimate modern baseball unicorn.
There are other considerations, too. Transitioning Ohtani into a relief role would open up more innings for younger starters or trade acquisitions. It would give manager Dave Roberts more options in managing matchups. And in the playoffs—where the margin between victory and elimination is razor thin—having a player who can hit a home run in the eighth and close the game in the ninth is a weapon unlike any other.
Imagine Game 7 of the World Series. The Dodgers are up 4–3. Ohtani hits a double in the top of the inning and scores an insurance run. Then he jogs to the mound in the bottom of the ninth. The crowd roars. He strikes out the side. The Dodgers win the World Series. That’s not just wishful thinking. It’s within the realm of possibility if they embrace this strategy.
Of course, the plan would need careful implementation. It couldn’t be rushed. The Dodgers would need to build up his arm strength gradually and monitor his workload closely. They’d need buy-in from Ohtani himself. But with modern data, biomechanics, and workload management tools, it’s more than feasible. In fact, it might be the smartest way to get the most out of him in the long run.
Baseball has always evolved. The introduction of the designated hitter, the use of openers, shifts (now limited), and pitch clocks all represent fundamental changes in how the game is played. Why not reimagine the role of the two-way player as well? Just because Ohtani began his MLB career as a starter doesn’t mean he has to stay in that role forever. If the ultimate goal is winning—and protecting the health and legacy of the most gifted player of this generation—a move to the bullpen could be revolutionary.
In the end, the decision will depend on a variety of factors—Ohtani’s health, his preferences, team needs, and how the 2025 season unfolds. But make no mistake: the Dodgers have an opportunity to innovate once again. They have the most unique player in the sport and the infrastructure to support bold experimentation. Turning Shohei Ohtani into a lights-out closer isn’t just a fun idea—it might be the best way to ensure he remains dominant, healthy, and iconic for years to come.
Shohei Ohtani, the ninth-inning assassin? It may sound unconventional. But if there’s any team and any player capable of making it reality, it’s the Los Angeles Dodgers and their one-of-a-kind superstar.
