"Never seen anyone as competitive": Dave Roberts on Shohei Ohtani’s relentless drive to return stronger for the 2025 season

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has witnessed hundreds of superstars over the course of his career, but even he acknowledges that Shohei Ohtani's competitiveness is on another level. As Ohtani rehabbed, looking to return with a vengeance for the 2025 season, Roberts couldn't help but be in awe of the two-way sensation's tireless work ethic and effort.Ohtani, who underwent a second elbow surgery in 2024, has spent the entire offseason devoted to a rigorous rehab program. The Japanese phenom has spent hours of video going over the film, frame by frame, his own pitching motion and working on his hitting style as well. That singular focus, Roberts thinks, is what distinguishes Ohtani from even the most diligent workers.Even with his limitations to a job as an occasional designated hitter following his surgery, Shohei Ohtani's 2024 batting was still elite. He ended the season slashing .309/.394/.585 with 34 home runs, proving he could still be one of the scariest hitters in the game. But Shohei Ohtani's own expectations are even loftier. For him, success isn't merely about hitting home runs, it's about getting back on the mound and reasserting his dual-threat dominance.What's even more impressive about Shohei Ohtani's return is how he's shaping the next generation of Dodgers prospects. While Shohei Ohtani has been rehabbing, he's played mentor to young pitcher Zyhir Hope and Korean infielder Hyeseong Kim. Both have credited Shohei Ohtani with being receptive to offering advice from mechanical adjustments to mental preparation for the upcoming season.In his eyes, Ohtani combines elite ability with competitive fervor and selflessness as a leader to become an all-time player. "When you have a human being that good, who's also the hardest worker in the room, the ceiling goes away," Roberts said. As Opening Day 2025 of the new season comes closer, everyone will be waiting with bated breath for Shohei Ohtani's return.Also Read: “I’m Excited”: Dave Roberts Pumped As Shohei Ohtani Faces Live Pitching And Hits Well Amidst Injury Concerns