Photo via Yahoo Sports

Shohei Ohtani says he will pitch again in 2027: How will that work out for the Dodgers?

Shohei Ohtani has made it clear that his plans for 2027 include returning to the mound, signaling no shift in his long-standing commitment to playing both as a pitcher and hitter for the Dodgers. The two-way superstar began the 2026 season in the rotation, delivering strong performances that cemented his status as the early MVP favorite, but injuries—including persistent issues with his knee, biceps, and neck—derailed his season.

After his final start on July 3, Ohtani stopped pitching entirely, with setbacks in bullpen sessions pushing his return to 2027, while his offensive production plummeted in September, culminating in a 26-game home run drought and a .192 batting average in his final stretch. The Dodgers, who won titles in 2024 and 2025 despite relying on a compromised rotation, struggled this year with Ohtani’s diminished role, unable to replicate past success without his full contributions on both sides of the ball.

Up nextMLB· 4h ago

As Dodgers grapple with the end of a dynasty, questions abound for Shohei Ohtani, free agency and the coming labor fight