Seven-time NL MVP and MLB legend Barry Bonds recently attended the 100th New York Baseball Writers Dinner, where the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA) presented its annual awards. The event also honored Bonds’ late godfather, Hall of Famer Willie Mays.
During the event, Bonds appeared on the Foul Territory podcast and discussed various topics, including Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani.
At 60 years old, the 14-time All-Star was asked about Ohtani’s potential return to the mound in 2025 as the Dodgers star nears the final stages of his recovery from elbow surgery in September 2023.
Ohtani’s Historic 2024 Season and MVP Campaign
Ohtani had a remarkable 2024 season as the Dodgers’ designated hitter, earning his first NL MVP award in his debut year in the National League. The 30-year-old led in nearly every major offensive category and became the first player in MLB history to record at least 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season, finishing with 54 homers and 59 steals.
While Ohtani’s return to the mound remains uncertain, he is expected to pitch again in 2025. However, Bonds believes “Showtime” should prioritize hitting and, if he does pitch, should do so in relief.
“I think he needs to stay at DH and do what he does best. (Pitching) is going to tire him out. It’s just too much on him,” the San Francisco Giants icon said. “What he does and brings to that team is already great, so why change it? Maybe come in as a reliever—he’s got that great slider, splitter, and high velocity. He could throw an inning or two, but he should focus on what he excels at.”
Ohtani Expected to Remain DH, Could Pitch in 2025
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts had previously discussed the possibility of Ohtani pitching in the 2024 postseason.
“If things line up and there’s a need, and his body, the game, and everything indicate it makes sense, then great—it would be storybook,” Roberts said. “But Shohei is focused on his rehab process, and I wouldn’t put it past him to keep an eye on that. We’ll see how it plays out.”
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, however, downplayed the idea of Ohtani pitching in October, stating it was “nowhere near (the) front of mind” for the organization. Ultimately, Ohtani did not take the mound in the postseason but played a key role in Los Angeles winning the World Series, hitting .230 (14-for-61) with three home runs, 10 RBIs, 14 runs scored, and 13 walks in 16 playoff games.
Ohtani is expected to begin the 2025 season as the team’s primary DH, with his first pitching appearance potentially delayed. The Dodgers have already built a formidable rotation, featuring Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, Japanese sensation Roki Sasaki, and two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell.
Their bullpen is also stacked with elite arms, including recent acquisition Tanner Scott and All-Star closer Kirby Yates. Friedman and company recently reached a tentative deal with Yates, who earned his second All-Star selection in 2024.
Bonds Reflects on Missed 50-50 Season and Home Run Record
When discussing Ohtani’s historic 50-50 season, Bonds reflected on how he believed he was on track to accomplish the same feat before the 1994 MLB strike ended the season prematurely.
“Look at the numbers. I would have had a 50-50 season that year,” Bonds said. “I already had 39 home runs and 29 stolen bases when the strike happened. Matt Williams would have hit 60-plus, and so would Jeff Bagwell. They both had over 40 home runs at that point.”
Bonds finished the shortened 1994 season with 37 home runs and 29 steals in 112 games. At the time, it was his second season with the San Francisco Giants after leaving the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1992.
Ohtani, meanwhile, posted his record-setting numbers by playing in 159 of the Dodgers’ 162 regular-season games, leading the league with 731 plate appearances compared to Bonds’ 474 in 1994.
The all-time home run king also made surprising remarks about his career record of 762 home runs, saying he hopes someone eventually surpasses him.
“You don’t get jealous of what other people achieve in their careers. I’ve never been jealous of anyone,” Bonds said. “Go break it. I hope I’m there to see it. I did what I did—it’s over. I can’t do any more. And if someone happens to be better, God bless them. Just be better.”
