Shohei Ohtani has no intention of relinquishing his two-way superstar credentials anytime soon.
The four-time MVP, whose season ended Thursday at the hands of the Milwaukee Brewers in the NLCS, told reporters that he does indeed plan to pitch in 2027.
"Yes, definitely, and looking forward to having a better season next year," Ohtani said through his interpreter.
The 32-year-old hasn't taken to the mound since July 3, when the Dodgers shut him down from pitching as he dealt with knee and bicep injuries. Those same injuries hindered his production at the plate in the post-season, as Ohtani averaged .162 with one home run and three RBIs in the playoffs.
In 14 starts prior to his shutdown, Ohtani went 8-2 with a 1.79 ERA and 95 strikeouts.
"Not quite satisfied with how things shaped up on the pitching side at the end of this year," Ohtani said. "I haven't pitched (since July). I haven't pitched in the post-season. I haven't been able to come to grip, come to terms, with what I've learned overall this season. It's something that I'm going to go back to the drawing board, in terms of treatment, training program, and see what I can come up with next season."
Ohtani owns a career 2.83 ERA across 114 starts between the Dodgers and Los Angeles Angels.
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