As Shohei Ohtani prepares for his uncertain pitching return in 2025, the designated hitter dazzled fans in 2024 with record-breaking home runs and stolen bases—perhaps giving new meaning to 'pitching for the stars.'

With his 2025 pitching return hinging on upcoming bullpen sessions, Ohtani has already made history as the first player to smash 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season—while wowing fans with a 9.2 WAR and earning his first National League MVP award. Despite undergoing dual surgeries for a torn UCL and a torn labrum, the two-time superstar has put the league on notice that he’s more than just a pitcher; he's a home run-hitting, base-stealing sensation on a massive 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers, leaving spectators to wonder if he can possibly raise the bar even higher in his anticipated comeback.

The 2024 season saw Ohtani serve as a designated hitter, a decision that perhaps left fans both thrilled and slightly confused. Watching him smack balls out of the park can feel like asking a chef to serve you takeout instead of a gourmet meal. Yet, Ohtani managed to pull it off with such aplomb that 'designated hitter' became synonymous with 'baseball's superhero in disguise.'

Dave Roberts, manager of the Dodgers, is cautiously optimistic about Ohtani’s potential return to pitching, although the specifics remain uncertain and will depend on his bullpen sessions. "Sounds about right," Roberts remarked, smiling like a man who’s attempting to predict the unpredictable. Roberts seems all too familiar with the dance of anticipation—especially considering Ohtani's previous injuries and the cautious approach to surgical recoveries. Having undergone a UCL repair and labrum surgery, one wonders what to expect moving forward.

The Dodgers' pitching rotation for 2025 boasts an impressive lineup, including Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki, among other notable names. If Ohtani can return to his previous form, he would undoubtedly provide the cherry on top of an already formidable pitching sundae. But here lies the rub: as fans eagerly await news of incoming bullpen sessions, it feels a bit like waiting for the breadsticks to come with your pasta, each moment stretching longer than the last. Could he possibly return, or will he simply delight the crowd as an exemplary batter while leaving his pitching dreams on hold?

As the season progresses, Ohtani's unparalleled skill set raises questions about which aspect of his game fans are more eager to see. Yes, this man can hit home runs and sprint to bases like he just remembered his car keys left in the middle of a parking lot, but the twitchy anticipation of watching him on the mound daydreams into stark reality. It’s safe to say, Ohtani isn’t just pitching for his future; his return to pitching remains uncertain as he recovers from surgeries on his elbow and shoulder. Following a torn UCL surgery in September 2023 and a torn labrum surgery after the 2023 World Series, he did not pitch in the 2024 season. He signed a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers, and fans eagerly await updates on his progress.

The scent of excitement is thick in the air, mixed with an aroma of uncertainty that lingers like a half-eaten hot dog at a baseball game. Fans are left holding their breath for Ohtani to step back into the pitcher’s role we have all come to love. The 2024 season was a masterclass in hitting, and the question of whether he can recapture the finesse he once displayed on the mound adds a delightful layer of drama to an already compelling play. As we gear up for 2025, Ohtani's story transforms into a saga where courage meets recovery, and anticipation meets the soft thud of a baseball bat.

Ultimately, Ohtani has once again shoved a thermometer in the collective mouth of Major League Baseball and dared the sport to take stock. As both a pitcher and hitter, he's part superhuman and part enigma—his future as a pitcher remains uncertain following surgeries on his elbow and shoulder, and all eyes will remain glued to his bullpen sessions to see how this two-way superstar navigates his significant talent amidst the challenges of professional sports.