Shohei Ohtani Has Become Leader in Dodgers Clubhouse, Says Teammate
The Los Angeles Dodgers have a once in a lifetime talent in Shohei Ohtani.
In terms of being an MVP-like slugger and ace pitcher, it’s been over a century since the baseball world has seen someone like Ohtani. In terms of clubhouse impact, a leader like him is just as rare.
More news: Stan Kasten Gave Incredible Message to Shohei Ohtani When Recruiting Him to Dodgers
Before his first season with the Dodgers was underway, fans were amazed at Ohtani defering $680 million of his lucrative $700 million deal for the betterment of the team and to spread more immediate money around a talented roster.
Not only did the phenom become the first player in MLB history to slug 50 or more home runs and steal 50 or more bases in the same season, but Ohtani secured his third MVP award on the way to the franchise’s eighth World Series title.
Ohtani’s impact has been felt by Miguel Rojas, one of the most respected players in the clubhouse. When it comes to speeches at team dinners or which veteran to turn to for advice, it’s almost always Rojas who players will turn to.
Recently, Rojas told the Orange County Register’s Bill Plunkett about Ohtani’s leadership and what sets him apart from the average MVP.
“I can’t tell you how much more respect I’ve got for him,” Rojas said. “Not just for the 50/50 (season) and the MVPs and all of that but the way that he’s becoming a leader in this clubhouse, bringing people into this organization (by being a part of the recruiting pitch to [Yoshinobu] Yamamoto and [Roki] Sasaki), helping others even though he’s got his hands full with trying to come back to pitching, coming back from surgery.
“But he still takes time to hit with (rookie Hyeseong) Kim in the cage. He’s taking time to go to the wings eating contest (during spring training). That’s leadership.”
As Ohtani is recovering from his second Tommy John surgery, he will return to the mound at some point this season after not pitching since 2023.
As he continues to develop what he does on the diamond, he will also continue developing as a leader and bringing together a team in search of something the baseball world hasn’t seen in a quarter-century — winning back-to-back World Series titles.
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Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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