Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Angels’ star player, has suffered a torn UCL in his right elbow, an injury that could have significant consequences for his career. Ohtani, who is considered the game’s first two-way superstar, was having a standout season and was a frontrunner for the AL MVP award. However, with the Angels’ postseason hopes fading and the news of Ohtani’s injury, the team’s chances have diminished further.
The injury also raises questions about Ohtani’s future with the Angels. Expected to draw offers in the range of $500 to $600 million in free agency, Ohtani’s injury could affect the kind of deals he receives. Typically, this type of injury requires Tommy John surgery and a recovery period of 12 to 18 months for pitchers. While Ohtani will still hit the free-agent market, the equation has undoubtedly changed due to his injury.
For the remainder of the 2023 season, Ohtani’s pitching contributions will cease, but his hitting performance could continue. In 2018, when Ohtani injured his pitching elbow, he continued to play as a hitter for the rest of the season before undergoing surgery. He could choose to do the same this season and aim for impressive offensive milestones.
Ohtani’s free agency will now have complications, as teams will have to consider the risks associated with his pitching skills. Even with the injury, Ohtani’s offensive production and additional pitching dimension still make him an attractive free agent target. However, a shorter-term contract with opt-out options in two to three seasons might be a more preferable outcome for Ohtani and his potential suitors.
In terms of Ohtani’s 2024 season, if he has surgery, he won’t pitch until 2025. Even with a speedy recovery, he likely wouldn’t be ready to hit until May of next season. If Ohtani chooses not to have surgery, the uncertainty surrounding his condition could impact his availability to pitch in 2024.
Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, assuming Ohtani undergoes surgery, he is expected to be fully recovered and ready to perform at his full potential. As a two-way player, Ohtani has been a force in recent seasons, captivating fans and attracting attention from sponsors and media. Once he is back in action, Ohtani will likely be a top MVP contender and have a significant impact on his team’s success.
While Ohtani’s injury is a setback, it is also a reminder to appreciate the history he has already made in baseball. His unique abilities have dazzled fans, but his feats cannot continue indefinitely. At some point, Ohtani will likely have to focus on either pitching or hitting exclusively. Despite this potential hurdle, Ohtani has repeatedly overcome challenges throughout his career, and fans can expect him to do the same in the face of this new obstacle.