Shohei Ohtani Eyes Home Run Derby Participation
Baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani has expressed a strong desire to participate in next month's Home Run Derby. Ohtani, a standout player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, has captivated fans with his exceptional skills both on the mound and at the plate.
However, the road to the Home Run Derby is not without obstacles. Ohtani is currently limited to hitting this season as he continues to recover from elbow surgery performed last September. Before he can confirm his participation, he will need multiple levels of approval, including clearance from a doctor, his trainers, and the Dodgers organization.
"I have to get an offer (to participate) first," Ohtani explained. "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."
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has been candid about his reservations regarding Ohtani's involvement in the event. "I'd probably not want him to do it, but I'll support him no matter what he decides to do," Roberts said. "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."
Despite Roberts' concerns, the allure of seeing Ohtani's immense talent on display could prove irresistible for fans and the event organizers. Ohtani's current statistics certainly bolster his case; he is hitting an impressive .320/.398/.634 this season. On top of that, Ohtani leads the National League with 24 home runs and 196 total bases, solidifying his status as one of the league's premier sluggers.
But history has shown that participation in the Derby comes with its own set of challenges. In the 2021 Home Run Derby, Ohtani was eliminated in the first round by Juan Soto, who outlasted him in a dramatic swing-off tiebreaker. The intensity and format of the Derby are vastly different from regular season play, something noted by a Dodgers insider: "Hitting in games is different from hitting in a Home Run Derby."
While Ohtani's batting prowess this season has been nothing short of spectacular, his journey back from elbow surgery adds a layer of intrigue and caution to his potential Derby appearance. His performance has garnered immense support, evidenced by him leading the All-Star Game fan-voting for National League designated hitters.
The roster for this year's Home Run Derby will be finalized and announced within the next two weeks, fueling anticipation among baseball fans. The iconic Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, will serve as the backdrop for the 2024 Home Run Derby, scheduled for Monday, July 15.
One notable absence from this year's contest will be Aaron Judge, who has chosen not to participate. This only heightens the excitement surrounding Ohtani's possible entry, which could further cement his legacy in the sport.
Regardless of the final decision, Ohtani's potential involvement in the Home Run Derby promises to be a pivotal storyline in the upcoming MLB season. Fans and pundits alike eagerly await to see whether one of the game’s brightest stars will step up to the plate in Arlington. As Ohtani himself admitted, the decision hinges on a fine balance of desire and approval. For now, the baseball world watches and waits.