Shohei Ohtani Aims to Resume Pitching in 2027, Eyes Offseason Surgery

Shohei Ohtani has stated his intention to return to pitching in 2027, expressing a desire to continue as a two-way player despite a season hampered by injuries. The Los Angeles Dodgers star indicated that he may require offseason surgery, though he did not specify the exact nature or location of the potential procedure.

"Yes, definitely," Ohtani said through an interpreter when asked about his plans to pitch again in 2027. "And [I’m] looking forward to having a better season next year." He added that the possibility of surgery would be analyzed and discussed during the offseason.

Ohtani's 2026 season was significantly impacted by physical setbacks. He was shut down as a pitcher after 85 innings and experienced a notable slump at the plate during the playoffs. His inability to maintain peak performance due to injuries was cited as a contributing factor to the Dodgers' exit from the National League Championship Series.

Despite these challenges, Ohtani maintained his resolve to continue in both hitting and pitching roles. "I haven’t been able to really come to grip in terms of what I’ve learned overall this season," he stated. "It’s something that I’m going to kind of go back to the drawing board in terms of treatment, training program, and see what I can come up with for next season."

Throughout the 2026 season, Ohtani posted a .275 batting average with 30 home runs and 81 RBIs as a hitter. As a pitcher, he had an 8-2 record with a 1.79 ERA in 14 starts. However, his effectiveness diminished following a knee issue that began in June and an arm ailment that worsened from July onward.

His final pitching appearance of the season was on July 3, with subsequent attempts to ramp up his throwing activity being thwarted by physical setbacks. His offensive performance also saw a decline in the final two months of the regular season, leading to a September stint on the injured list.

In the postseason, Ohtani batted .192. Prior to hitting a three-run home run in Game 4 of the NLCS, he had not recorded an extra-base hit or an RBI. The circumstances of his 2026 season have led to speculation about how the Dodgers might manage his workload in the future, potentially moderating his pitching duties.

Ohtani, however, expressed dissatisfaction with not pitching more during the year, particularly regarding his absence from the postseason rotation. "Not quite satisfied with how things shaped up on the pitching side," he said. The precise implications for his 2027 season remain uncertain, especially considering potential offseason recovery processes.