The in Los Angeles have a once-in-a-lifetime talent.
It’s been more than a century since the world of baseball has seen people like Otani in terms of being a sturdy hitter and an ace pitcher like MVP. When it comes to clubhouse influence, leaders like him are just as rare.
More news: Stan Kasten gave Shohei Ohtani an incredible message when recruiting him for the
Before his first season with the began on the way, fans were surprised to see that he postponed $680 million in his favorable $700 million deal for improvements to the team and spread more money quickly around the talented roster.
Not only did the phenom become the first player in MLB history to slug more than 50 home runs and steal more than 50 bases in the same season, he also won his third MVP award on his way to reach the franchise’s eighth World Series title.
Otani’s influence was felt by Miguel Rojas, one of the most respected players in the clubhouse. When it comes to speaking at team dinners and which veterans seek advice, most players rely on Rojas.
Recently, Rojas spoke to Bill Plunkett on the Orange County Register about Otani’s leadership and what sets him apart from the average MVP.
“I can’t say how much I respect him,” Rojas said. “Not only for the 50/50 (season) and MVP, but also for the way he became the leader of this clubhouse and brought people to this organization, being part of the recruitment for (Yoshinobu) and (Yoshinobu) Yamamoto and (roki) Sasaki, helping others will come back from surgery.
“But it still takes him time to hit Kim (Rookie Heissen) in the cage. He takes the time to go to a wing eating contest (during spring training). That’s leadership.”
Otani is recovering from his second Tommy John surgery, so he will return to the mound at some point this season after not pitching since 2023.
As he continues to develop what he is doing with Diamond, he also continues to develop as a leader, bringing together teams for something the baseball world has never seen for a quarter century.
More news: Fernando Valenzuela Story: Why Legendary Influences forever
Photo credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Immagn Image
Have you joined us? Mismatch Channel still? Be part of the ultimate Snation community and get VIP Nation Access! Don’t miss out on real-time stories, call-in access to the dugout, behind-the-scenes content, exclusive interviews, gifts and more!