Shohei Ohtani and the reigning-champion Los Angeles Dodgers are in Ohtani’s native Japan for the upcoming two-game Tokyo Collection in opposition to the Chicago Cubs, which can mark the beginning of MLB’s 2025 common season on March 18. 

Upfront of that, the Dodgers performed an exhibition in opposition to the Yomiyuri Giants of NPB on the Tokyo Dome, and within the third inning, the 30-year-old Ohtani gave the capability crowd a memorable thrill on the expense of Yomiyuri ace Giants ace Shosei Togo. Here is a glance: 

Like most Ohtani blasts, that wasn’t an affordable one. You’ll be able to count on rather more of that within the season to return. Ohtani is the reigning Nationwide League MVP, and he is coming off a 2024 marketing campaign during which he turned the primary 50-50 participant in MLB historical past (54 residence runs and 59 stolen bases, to be actual). For his MLB profession, Ohtani has averaged 42 residence runs per 162 video games performed, and he nonetheless tasks to be on the peak of his offensive expertise. 

The Dodgers went on to win the exhibition contest 5-1. The Cubs misplaced theirs 3-0 to the Hanshin Tigers. 

Ohtani is, in fact, a two-way phenomenon, and the 2025 season will, barring the surprising, event his return to the mound. He did not pitch in 2024 as he recovered from a Tommy John hybrid process carried out on his throwing elbow. It is not precisely when Ohtani will be a part of the L.A. rotation, however he’ll be manning DH — and possibly hitting homers — proper from the bounce.