In a stunning display of talent during the 2024 regular season, Shohei Ohtani captivated the baseball world by belting an astonishing 52 home runs while swiping 53 bases — with the totals still growing. This unprecedented feat solidified his status as one of the game’s premier superstars and raised expectations for his impact in the upcoming playoffs.
As the Los Angeles Dodgers prepare for October, the question looms: Can Ohtani carry the team to glory or are there too many holes in the roster for the team to succeed?
The Supporting Cast on Offense
In recent playoff runs, the Dodgers have often found themselves in need of critical hits, yet key bats like Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts and Max Muncy have gone quiet when it mattered most. During the team’s early exit after the 2023 NLDS against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Freeman struggled to find his rhythm, going just 1-for-10 in 12 plate appearances.
Similarly, Betts, who usually shines in big moments, faced challenges in the 2023 playoffs and found himself failing to record a hit in 11 AB. Max Muncy’s inconsistency was also a concern as his power was sorely missed when it mattered most.
The absence of consistent performances from these players has highlighted the need for a multi-faceted offense. While Ohtani’s remarkable abilities can greatly enhance the lineup, relying solely on him isn’t a viable strategy.
For the Dodgers to advance deep into October, a collective effort from all offensive stars will be essential, including those at the bottom of the lineup. They must rise to the occasion, supporting Ohtani and ensuring that the team can thrive under pressure.
The Importance of Quality Starting Pitching
For as bad as the outlook is in the current starting pitching department, whoever the team lines up to start in the opening round of this year’s playoffs might not be as bad as the starters last year. In the 2023 NLDS against the Diamondbacks, Clayton Kershaw got things started in Game 1, but he never made it through the first inning, allowing six earned runs on six hits and a walk.
In Game 2, Bobby Miller only lasted 1-2/3 innings after surrendering three earned runs on four hits and two walks. Veteran lefty Lance Lynn got pounded in Game 3, giving up four earned runs on six hits and getting yanked from the game halfway through the second inning.
Right handers Jack Flaherty and Yoshinobu Yamamoto will be the headliners for the Los Angeles 2024 playoff rotation and odds are they will fare much better than last year’s version. However, the options for a third starter are not as attractive, forcing skipper Dave Roberts to potentially choose between Miller, Walker Buehler, Landon Knack or a possible bullpen game.
Still, Flaherty and Yamamoto — coupled with Ohtani’s hot bat — could produce a more favorable outcome than the team being swept in the 2023 NLDS.
Ohtani’s Motivation in His First Playoff Appearance
As Shohei Ohtani prepares for his first playoff appearance, the motivation to perform at an elite level will undoubtedly be a driving force. This moment represents a culmination of years of hard work, and Ohtani will be eager to prove himself on the postseason stage. His competitive nature and desire to win can inspire the entire Dodgers roster and perhaps ignite their collective fire.
The addition of Teoscar Hernández this year further enhances the team’s offensive capabilities, providing another reliable bat that could take some pressure off Ohtani, Freeman and Betts. Hernández’s ability to deliver in clutch situations can be a game-changer, offering much-needed depth to the lineup.
With Ohtani, Hernández, Betts and Freeman contributing, the Dodgers could create a potent combination that challenges opposing pitchers. This quartet could lead to more run production than what the Dodgers saw in recent postseason runs.
Ohtani’s Potential Impact
As Los Angeles begins its 2024 playoff journey, Ohtani’s determination and skill could be the catalyst they need to overcome past disappointments. If he can harness his motivation and inspire those around him, the Dodgers may just find themselves poised for a championship run, turning Ohtani’s historic season into a legendary postseason tale.
The thrill of watching him in October promises to be a spectacle that could redefine the team’s legacy and leave a monumental mark on baseball history.