When the Los Angeles Dodgers signed Shohei Ohtani to a record contract, it also came with the understanding that he would need to be managed differently than most players, given his two-way status and reputation as an international superstar.
Ohtani was coming off a second elbow surgery and was limited in his first season with the Dodgers, which took away some of those concerns, but he still had to go through the rehab process while remaining the everyday designated hitter. As Ohtani made his return to pitching last year, the Dodgers had more to juggle and came up with a plan on how to do it.
It worked out as the Dodgers won their second consecutive World Series with Ohtani playing a huge part in it both at the plate and on the mound. One reason things have panned out so well for Ohtani and the Dodgers is his unselfish nature.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said during an interview on MLB Network, that despite the challenges, Ohtani has been the easiest player to manage because of his team-first mentality and willingness to do what they believe is best:
“Honestly, Shohei has been my easiest player to manage. He’s not really my way or the highway type-guy. So for me, honestly, there’s been no demands he’s put on me or the organization.”
It’s also somewhat rare for a player of Ohtani’s talent and fame to not want special treatment and to not put his desires above the team’s. There have been many stories across sports about superstar players and their team disagreeing on something, which creates somewhat of a rift between them.
Ohtani showed his willingness to do whatever the team needed from his this past season, as he said he would be open to pitching out of the bullpen if the Dodgers asked that of him. In 2024, he also let Roberts know he would hit anywhere in the lineup if it was best for the team before landing on the leadoff role for him.
When Ohtani first signed with the Dodgers, Roberts was questioned if he had reached out to any of his previous managers to get advice. Roberts said he didn’t, and expressed confidence there would be no issues. So far, that has been the case, and it’s unlikely to change.
Dave Roberts believes Shohei Ohtani is best player in MLB history
During the appearance on MLB Network, Roberts also called Ohtani the greatest baseball player of all-time. Roberts has had the privilege of being around some of the game’s biggest legends during his time in MLB, both as a player and manager.
He previously compared Ohtani to Barry Bonds, who is considered one of the greatest players ever and certainly the best hitter.
While Roberts noted that Bonds is in a class by himself for his hitting, Ohtani’s dominance as a pitcher makes him the most unique player to ever step on a baseball field.
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