Shohei Ohtani, the sensational dual-threat player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, has expressed a keen interest in participating in next month's Home Run Derby. While this news has generated excitement among fans, it also comes with a series of challenges and approvals that need to be addressed.
Ohtani, renowned for his rare combination of pitching and hitting prowess, has been focusing solely on his hitting this season as he recuperates from elbow surgery performed last September. His performance at the plate has been nothing short of spectacular, boasting a .320/.398/.634 slash line. Ohtani currently leads the National League with 24 home runs and 196 total bases, reinforcing his status as one of the game's most formidable sluggers.
Despite his interest in the Home Run Derby, Ohtani has acknowledged the various approvals needed for his participation. "I have to get an offer (to participate) first. I'm also rehabilitating, so I need the doctor's approval, the trainers' approval, and the team's approval. Of course, I have feelings of wanting to do it. I think any player would. I think it depends on how it lines up with the other parts," said Ohtani.
The star player's enthusiasm is palpable, but it's met with cautious optimism from his manager, Dave Roberts. "I'd probably not want him to do it, but I'll support him no matter what he decides to do. For the game, I think it's great... Obviously, he's the biggest star in the game, and it makes (the Home Run Derby) more attractive," Roberts commented. His sentiments reflect a mixture of concern for Ohtani's ongoing rehabilitation and an understanding of the entertainment value Ohtani brings to the game.
Roberts' reservations are understandable, given the physical demands of the Home Run Derby. The event, while exhilarating for spectators, can be taxing on players, particularly those recovering from injuries. A Dodgers insider provided a succinct comparison, stating, "Hitting in games is different from hitting in a Home Run Derby."
In his only previous appearance at the 2021 Home Run Derby, Ohtani was eliminated in the first round by Juan Soto in a dramatic swing-off tiebreaker. His return to the competition would undoubtedly be one of the highlights of the event, further amplified by his leading the fan-voting for the Nationals League's designated hitters in the All-Star Game.
The roster of participants for this year's Home Run Derby will be announced within the next two weeks, adding an element of suspense for fans eagerly awaiting confirmation of Ohtani's participation. The 2024 Home Run Derby is set to take place at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, on Monday, July 15, an event that has already been marked on the calendars of many baseball enthusiasts.
Notably absent from this year's competition will be Aaron Judge, highlighting even more the potential allure of Ohtani's involvement. Judge's absence places an even greater spotlight on the home run phenom from the Dodgers, whose participation could capture the imaginations of baseball fans worldwide.
As the date for the announcement of the Home Run Derby roster approaches, the baseball community remains in eager anticipation. Whether Ohtani receives the necessary approvals and ultimately decides to participate remains to be seen. Nonetheless, his consideration alone underscores his constant pursuit of excellence and his desire to entertain fans, further solidifying his status as a transcendent figure in the sport.
While the final decision hinges on multiple factors, the possibility of seeing Ohtani unleash his power on a national stage once more is a tantalizing prospect. As always, the health and well-being of this unique talent remain paramount, and whatever path Ohtani chooses will undoubtedly be met with both support and excitement from the baseball world.