Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani is looking back on a disappointing end to an up-and-down 2026 season, and as he plans for 2027, the big question for many fans is whether the two-way player will pitch again.
After a gut-wrenching sweep by the Milwaukee Brewers, Ohtani has several months — the exact length depends on a possible MLB lockout — to get healthy again, but with his injuries likely caused by the physical toll of both hitting and pitching, he has a choice to make ahead of next season.
Will Shohei Ohtani pitch in 2027?
Despite what happened with his knee, arm and neck this year, Ohtani insisted Thursday night that the answer is a different training regimen and maybe surgery, but not abandoning pitching.
When asked about pitching in 2027, Ohtani responded “Yes, definitely,” as reported by Brian Murphy of MLB.com.
Ohtani admitted that it might require surgery to make that more feasible, something he’s open to.
“Hard to tell at this point,” he said. “It’s something that’s going to be analyzed, discussed over the offseason, and see if that’s a viable thing to do.”
Ohtani pitched essentially for the first half of the season this year, putting up a stellar 8-2 record and 1.79 ERA in his 14 starts.
Injuries, though, first prevented Ohtani from pitching and then later caused him to miss time batting.
He returned for the playoffs but was very much a shell of his usual self at the plate.
Before Thursday night’s home run, many had called for Ohtani to be benched in favor of the rookie Josue De Paula, a once unthinkable idea when the player in question is a four-time MVP.
Why does Shohei Ohtani want to keep pitching?
Given the elevated risk of injury, some might think it best for Ohtani to give up pitching in favor of batting.
But the Cy Young Award is the last major honor that eludes Ohtani, and given that he was very much in the discussion for the first few months of the season, it’s likely he wants a real shot at it.
Whether that will require some sacrifices on the offensive side remains to be seen, but Ohtani and the Dodgers will have plenty of time to come up with a plan.
If the offseason drags on longer than normal due to a lockout, then he could have even more time to get ready.
In fact, a shorter season could ultimately help him stay healthy for the whole year.
Do you think Shohei Ohtani is wise to return to pitching in 2027?