Shohei Ohtani has made headlines with his impressive performance for the Los Angeles Dodgers, racking up 21 RBIs in his last 10 games and totaling 125 for the season—second only to Aaron Judge. As he heads into the playoffs for the first time in his career, Ohtani has shared insights that hint at his struggles during his time with the Los Angeles Angels.
Ohtani mentioned that earlier in the season, he often found himself trying too hard when runners were in scoring position (RISP). He attributed this mindset to his years with the Angels, where he felt each opportunity might be their only chance to score. This pressure has led him to rewire his approach, allowing him to focus on each at-bat without the burden of needing to be the hero every time.
After hitting a key RBI single in a recent game, Dodgers broadcaster Joe Davis relayed Ohtani’s comments about his past mindset to the team’s hitting coaches. Davis suggested that this pressure stemmed from Ohtani’s experience with the Angels, where he often had to carry the offensive load.
Some Angels fans have reacted defensively, questioning the authenticity of Davis’s reporting. They believe that Ohtani, known for his reserved nature, would not publicly criticize his former team. However, Davis was quoting Ohtani’s comments made privately, likely during team meetings.
Ohtani has certainly evolved since joining the Dodgers, where he now benefits from a more robust lineup, including Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman. This support has allowed him to take a more selective approach at the plate, enhancing his ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities without feeling overwhelmed.
The contrast between his current situation and his time with the Angels is stark. Despite playing alongside Mike Trout, Ohtani’s experience was marred by their limited time together on the field. From 2022 to 2023, the Angels ranked 22nd in the league with 1,308 RBIs, reflecting a lack of offensive depth.
While some may point to Trout as a major asset, Ohtani’s overall environment in Anaheim was not conducive to consistent success. Now, with the Dodgers, he has rediscovered his rhythm, significantly increasing his RBI count.
As he continues to thrive in Los Angeles, Ohtani’s success serves as a reminder of the challenges he faced with the Angels. It underscores the importance of a strong supporting cast in a player’s performance.
For many fans, the shift to the Dodgers marks not just a change of scenery for Ohtani but a renewed sense of hope for his career. Despite the bittersweet feelings among Angels supporters, the facts remain: Ohtani’s current achievements significantly outshine his past.
In the end, the best way to be a hero, as Ohtani has shown, is to let the game come to you—an approach that has proven fruitful in his new chapter with the Dodgers.