Shohei Ohtani Has Offered to Help Dodgers in Outfield, Brought Glove to Camp

Although Shohei Ohtani won't pitch for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2024, could he help out in the outfield?

On the day of his Cactus League debut against the Chicago White Sox, Ohtani told Japanese reporters Tuesday that he brought an outfield glove with him to Spring Training.

Ohtani has offered his help, but the Dodgers currently have no plans to utilize him in the outfield, via Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times.

Shohei Ohtani mentioned to Japanese reporters today that he has an outfield glove with him this spring, just in case

Don't expect to see him use it anytime soon though. While Ohtani has offered to help in the outfield if needed, per source, Dodgers have no plans to use him there
— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) February 27, 2024

Instead, expect to see Ohtani remain exclusively a designated hitter for the 2024 season. The Dodgers signed Ohtani to a $700 million deal in the offseason knowing he would not be able to pitch until 2025.

While Ohtani is willing to be versatile and contribute as more than a hitter, he hasn't been asked to by the Dodgers' coaches or executives — who will understandably be protective of their big investment.

Ohtani's contributions as a designated hitter are more than enough. Ohtani is coming off an MVP season in which he led the American League in home runs and won the Hank Aaron award, given to the top hitter in the league.

In his first three at-bats Tuesday, Ohtani gave the Dodgers a preview of his hitting prowess.

Batting second in his first exhibition game in a Dodger uniform, Ohtani struck out in his first at-bat. He hit into a double-play groundout in his second plate appearance, then made up for it with a home run to close out his Dodgers debut.

Ohtani's two-run home run was easily the highlight of the day, and something fans to see plenty more of come the regular season.