Shohei Ohtani tracker: Updates on baseball's biggest star with Los Angeles Dodgers
Follow the Japanese two-way superstar in his first year with the Dodgers, who open the 2024 season on 20 March vs the San Diego Padres in Seoul.
Baseball Softball
The second act of Sho-Time has begun.
Two-time unanimous American League MVP Shohei Ohtani bolted across town from the Los Angeles Angels to the Dodgers this winter, signing for a 10-year, $700 million (USD) contract - the largest in the history of team sports.
Nearly a year after leading Japan on the mound and at the plate to the World Baseball Classic title, spring has finally come for the two-way generational talent with his star-studded, new team.
Ohtani will not pitch for the Dodgers in 2024 after having elbow surgery for his second time in September. He will resume pitching in 2025.
Wherever he goes, all eyes will be on the 29-year-old unicorn in his maiden season in Dodger blue as Ohtani looks to postseason play for the first time in his seventh year in Major League Baseball.
Keep up with Ohtani on Olympics.com leading up to his Dodgers debut on 20 March in Seoul against the San Diego Padres. His steps are as below.
Ohtani Shohei with Los Angeles Dodgers – Timeline
- 19 February 2024 - Ohtani homers in first live BP of spring, a rocket to right-centre off reliever J.P. Feyereisen.
- 18 February 2024 - Manager Dave Roberts says Ohtani will not play in the three-game series vs the Padres to open the exhibition season.
- 12 February 2024 - Ohtani takes first on-field BP, homering on 10 of 21 swings.
- 9 February 2024 - Ohtani starts spring training at team facility in Glendale, Arizona.
- 13 December 2023 - Ohtani officially unveiled at Dodger Stadium.
- 10 December 2023 - Ohtani announces via Instagram his decision to play for the Dodgers - for a record 10 years and $700 million. It is later learned 97 per cent of the mony is deferred to give the team payroll flexibility and stay competitive.
