Shohei Ohtani Homers in Dodgers Spring Training Debut as MLB Fans Predict Huge Season

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

It didn’t take long for Shohei Ohtani to show his new team what he could do.

During his spring training debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday against the Chicago White Sox, Ohtani launched a two-run home run in the fifth inning that excited the fans in attendance:

Ohtani’s first at-bat ended with a strikeout on three pitches, so the homer was a nice way to cap his day. He grounded into a double play in the third inning that produced the Dodgers’ first run of the game when Jose Ramos crossed home plate.

The home run by Ohtani impressed fans on social media, many of whom believe it indicates that the two-time American League MVP is in for a huge season with the Dodgers:

By landing Ohtani on a historic 10-year, $700 million deal this offseason, the Dodgers created a modern super team. Los Angeles has a star-studded lineup that includes Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts and Max Muncy. In addition to signing Ohtani, the team signed coveted Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto and completed a trade for starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow.

Ohtani will not be able to pitch until 2025 after undergoing elbow surgery, so he will be able to focus solely on hitting. After launching 44 homers last season, it can be expected that he will produce even more fireworks during the upcoming campaign.

Ohtani’s presence makes the Dodgers the hands-down favorite to take home the World Series title this year, so it will be fun to watch him continue his dominance with his new team.