From Los Angeles Dodgers On SI · · 2m
Dodgers' Offseason Pivot After NLCS Loss
Dodgers must decide if Shohei Ohtani stays a two-way player in 2027.
In brief
Dodgers must decide if Shohei Ohtani stays a two-way player in 2027. Dodgers need to address Shohei Ohtani's health and two-way role for 2027 to avoid repeating 2026's injury issues. Originally reported by Los Angeles Dodgers On SI.
Dodgers Eliminated in NLCS
The Los Angeles Dodgers were swept out of the National League Championship Series by the Milwaukee Brewers.
Early Offseason Challenges
The Dodgers face an early offseason where they need to retool ahead of the 2027 season.
Ohtani's 2026 Performance
Ohtani was coming off his worst year as a Dodger, where he was a shell of himself over the final two months of the season.
Ohtani's Injuries
The 32-year-old was dealing with injuries to his knee, biceps and neck that ultimately hampered his play into October.
Ohtani's First Half Success
In the first half of the season, Ohtani was looking like the clear NL MVP, hitting .293 with 22 home runs, 58 RBIs and an OPS of .
Ohtani's Second Half Decline
In the second half of the year, Ohtani hit .245 with eight home runs, 23 RBIs and an OPS of .772.
Ohtani's Injured List Stint
Ohtani also had his first stint on the injured list in September and then struggled mightily come the postseason outside of his three-run home run in NLCS Game 4.
Ohtani's 2027 Contract
Ohtani turns 33 next year and will be in the fourth season of his 10-year, $700 million contract with LA.
Ohtani's Two-Way Question
The Dodgers must decide if Shohei Ohtani should remain a two-way player in 2027.
Ohtani's 2027 Plan
Ohtani clearly stated he plans to continue his two-way play in 2027, saying, 'Yes, definitely, and looking forward to having a better season next year.'
“"Yes, definitely," Ohtani said through an interpreter when asked if he planned to pitch next season. "And looking forward to having a better season next year."”
Ohtani's 2025 Pitching Debut
In 2025, the Dodgers slow-played Ohtani the pitcher, having him make his pitching debut in June with one-inning outings before he pitched five innings by year's end.
Ohtani's 2026 Season
Ohtani's 2026 season felt like his best chance to win a Cy Young award until injuries took over.
Ohtani's 2027 Health Concerns
The Dodgers need to determine if Ohtani's body can handle a full two-way season in 2027 without repeating 2026's injury issues.
The big picture
Dodgers need to address Shohei Ohtani's health and two-way role for 2027 to avoid repeating 2026's injury issues.
