Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts Believes Shohei Ohtani Can Become Even Better Hitter

Shohei Ohtani, the two-time AL MVP of the Los Angeles Angels, has the potential to become an even better hitter, according to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. In a recent conversation with Ohtani, Roberts discussed how the two-way star could better control the strike zone and improve his plate discipline, especially with runners in scoring position.

Roberts noted that Ohtani has struggled at times this season when he expands his strike zone and becomes overly aggressive, particularly with runners in scoring position. "I think that there are times when he's expanding a little bit more than he needs to," Roberts said. "But when he is ahead in the count and gets a pitch that he can handle, it's pretty special."

Despite these occasional struggles, Ohtani has already hit 176 home runs, surpassing Hideki Matsui for the most in Major League Baseball among players born in Japan. As of Tuesday night, Ohtani was leading the major leagues in batting average at.368. He also hit a 450-foot home run on Tuesday that exited his bat at a record-breaking speed of 118.7 mph, the fastest home run of the 2023 MLB season so far.

Roberts praised Ohtani's ability to change the game with his powerful bat, stating that "any time he swings the bat and makes contact, he can change the game." However, Roberts believes that with more discipline in the strike zone, Ohtani will become even more "scary" for opposing teams.

Ohtani joined the Dodgers in December on a record $700 million, 10-year contract. Roberts has noticed him getting more comfortable with his new teammates and coaches, which he sees as a positive development. "I think that he's getting more and more comfortable with his teammates, with the coaches," Roberts said. "And I think that's only going to get better."

Why this matters: Shohei Ohtani's potential to improve as a hitter could have significant implications for the Dodgers and the entire MLB. As a two-way player who excels both on the mound and at the plate, Ohtani's continued development could solidify his status as one of the greatest players in baseball history.

With the Dodgers investing heavily in Ohtani's future, his ability to refine his hitting approach and become even more dominant at the plate will be crucial to the team's success. As Ohtani continues to adjust to his new surroundings and build relationships with his teammates and coaches, fans can anticipate witnessing him challenge the limits of what is achievable in the sport.

Key Takeaways

• Dodgers manager Roberts believes Ohtani can improve his plate discipline.
• Ohtani has hit 176 home runs, surpassing Hideki Matsui's MLB record.
• Ohtani hit a 450-ft home run at a record-breaking 118.7 mph exit velocity.
• Ohtani joined the Dodgers on a $700 million, 10-year contract in December.
• Ohtani's continued development could solidify his status as one of baseball's greats.