Dave Roberts Reveals Major Adjustment for Shohei Ohtani That Could Unlock His Ultimate Form
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has sparked excitement among fans and analysts by hinting at a significant change in Shohei Ohtani’s approach that could elevate him to the best version of himself. Ohtani, already a two-way superstar, has redefined modern baseball with his unparalleled ability to dominate both as a hitter and a pitcher. Yet, Roberts suggests that a subtle but crucial adjustment could push Ohtani’s game to even greater heights, making him even more unstoppable in the 2024 season and beyond.
Since his MLB debut in 2018, Ohtani has shattered expectations, becoming the first player since Babe Ruth to excel as both an elite pitcher and hitter. His 2021 MVP season was a historic showcase, as he posted a 3.18 ERA with 156 strikeouts on the mound while slashing .257/.372/.592 with 46 home runs at the plate. Even after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2018 and a second elbow procedure in 2023, Ohtani has continued to dominate offensively, winning his second MVP in 2023 with a .304/.412/.654 slash line and 44 homers despite not pitching that season.
But despite his otherworldly production, Roberts believes there’s another level Ohtani can reach—one that could make him even more dangerous.
In a recent press conference, Roberts alluded to a potential shift in Ohtani’s approach, though he remained coy about specifics.
“Shohei is always looking for ways to improve, and there’s something we’ve been working on that could take his game to another level,” Roberts said. “It’s not about overhauling his swing or mechanics—it’s more about refining his approach in a way that maximizes his strengths. When it clicks, you’ll see the best version of him yet.”
While Roberts didn’t elaborate, speculation has run rampant. Could it be a change in Ohtani’s swing mechanics to improve his contact rate? A more aggressive baserunning approach? Or perhaps a refined two-way strategy once he returns to pitching in 2025?
Why This Adjustment Could Make Ohtani Unstoppable
If Roberts’ hinted change addresses any of these areas, Ohtani could reach a level of production never before seen in MLB. Imagine a version of Ohtani who:
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Cuts his strikeout rate below 20% while maintaining 40+ HR power
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Hits .320+ with improved situational success
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Steals 40+ bases with elite baserunning instincts
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Returns to the mound with optimized workload management
Such a player wouldn’t just be an MVP—he’d be in the conversation for the most dominant season in baseball history.
Ohtani is already one of the most unique players ever, but the best athletes always seek improvement. Barry Bonds transformed from a speed-power threat into an all-time great by refining his plate discipline. Mike Trout elevated his game by cutting down on strikeouts. If Ohtani can make a similar leap, he could surpass his own 2021 and 2023 campaigns.
Roberts’ comments suggest the Dodgers see untapped potential in Ohtani—something terrifying for opposing pitchers. Whether it’s a mechanical tweak, strategic shift, or mental breakthrough, this adjustment could be the key to unlocking Ohtani’s ultimate form.
Shohei Ohtani is already a generational talent, but Dave Roberts’ tease of a major adjustment raises the tantalizing possibility that he hasn’t yet peaked. Whether it’s through improved plate discipline, baserunning aggression, or two-way optimization, the idea of an even more refined Ohtani should terrify MLB pitchers.
If this change unlocks what Roberts believes it will, we may soon witness the best version of Ohtani yet—a player who doesn’t just break records but shatters the limits of what we thought possible in baseball. Dodgers fans, and baseball fans in general, should buckle up. The Ohtani we’ve seen so far might just be the beginning.
