Shohei Ohtani just reminded the baseball world why he’s worth every cent of his historic $700 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. On May 9, 2025, against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Ohtani ignited a stunning ninth-inning surge that powered the Dodgers to a 14–11 comeback win on hostile ground.
Ohtani’s Heroic Ninth Inning: “I Got This”
Trailing 11–8 in the ninth, the Dodgers appeared ready to fall short. But Shohei Ohtani, as he’s done so many times, turned the tables. With runners on base and the game hanging in the balance, the Japanese sensation stepped up, delivering a monstrous three-run homer that not only gave the Dodgers the lead but also stunned the crowd into silence at Chase Field.
By the end of the evening, Ohtani accumulated:
2 doubles
1 home run
4 RBIs
A.296 season batting average
An OPS now flying above 1.030
Simply put, this was MVP material.
SportSnip Analysis: Ohtani’s clutch gene is elite. With his ninth-inning bomb, he not only flipped the scoreboard — he sent a loud message to the National League: “I’m still HIM.” Where others peak early and fade, Ohtani thrives under pressure, gaining strength when the spotlight burns the brightest.
Smart Money: Why Ohtani Turned Down a 15-Year Deal
In a fascinating behind-the-scenes update, Ohtani’s agent, Nez Balelo, revealed that a 15-year contract was on the table. Choosing long-term impact over headline numbers, the two-way marvel signed a 10-year, $700 million contract packed with deferred payments — all in pursuit of lasting greatness.
“It wasn’t about the biggest number. It was about being at my best for as long as possible,” Ohtani said earlier this year.
The contract design provides the Dodgers with important payroll flexibility, and it also says a lot about the attitude of Ohtani: greatness over excess.
Same Beast Mode, New Father
Shohei Ohtani and his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, recently celebrated the birth of their first child, ushering in a new and joyous chapter in their lives that’s sure to bring even more inspiration to the baseball superstar’s already remarkable journey. Many wondered if the baby would slow him down — but Ohtani returned with even more intensity.
Just days into fatherhood, Ohtani marked his return to the lineup with a memorable first homer as a proud new dad.
SportSnip Take: It’s not “dad strength” — it’s the mythical concentration. The greatest athletes take life’s defining moments and turn them into gasoline. Ohtani is demonstrably in that space.
When Will He Pitch Next?
After undergoing a second Tommy John surgery in 2023, Ohtani has yet to return to pitching duties. Don’t rule him out yet.
The Dodgers are holding out hope he’ll be pitching before the year is out, maybe just in time for an extended October playoff run.
While he’s not yet pitching, Ohtani’s bat remains a force to be reckoned with, doing all the damage needed. Already, He’s already cemented his spot among the league’s elite, ranking in the top five for home runs, RBIs, and OPS.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s with a bat, in the delivery room, or on the mic, Shohei Ohtani is producing elite performances all around. With the Dodgers appearing like World Series contenders and Ohtani looking in MVP-level form, 2025 might be another year for the record books.
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