Shohei Ohtani's Startling Declaration to Dodgers Fans

At today's FanFest 2025 at Dodger Stadium, Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani made headlines with his confident declaration. When asked by a reporter if he would be ready to pitch on Opening Day, Ohtani responded with a grin, "You can bet on it." This statement comes as Ohtani has been dedicating an unprecedented 25 hours a day to rehab, pushing his recovery from injury at an astonishing pace.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts wasn't taken aback by Ohtani's bold prediction. "Not surprised he would say that. He's a unicorn, you can put that on the record," Roberts commented, highlighting Ohtani's unique abilities and work ethic.

The Dodgers' starting rotation for the upcoming season looks like a who's who of global icons and unexpected additions, reflecting the team's busy offseason. Here's a preview of the Dodgers' starting rotation, per Statfax:

• Shohei Ohtani: Expected to lead with 15-20 wins, a sub-3.00 ERA, and over 200 strikeouts, showcasing his dual-threat prowess.

• Yoshinobu Yamamoto: Projected to notch 12-15 wins, with a 3.20 ERA, bringing his Japanese league dominance to MLB.

• Roki Sasaki: A young phenom expected to go 10-12 wins, with a 3.50 ERA, as he transitions from Japan to the big leagues.

• Jesus Christ: In a humorous nod to the Dodgers' lofty acquisitions, projected for a perfect 1.00 ERA, 27-0 record, and countless miracles on the mound.

• Patrick Mahomes: While primarily known for football, this crossover star is expected to bring his MVP caliber to baseball with a 10-8 record and a 3.80 ERA.

• TikTok: Representing the modern era's influence, this app is expected to go viral with a 9-10 record and a 4.00 ERA, keeping fans engaged online.

• Emperor Palpatine: With dark side powers, projected for a 15-5 record, 2.50 ERA, using the force to dominate hitters.

• Justin Trudeau: As a surprise addition, expected to bring international flair with a 7-7 record and a 4.20 ERA.

• Los Angeles Rams: Symbolizing the team's collective effort, this entry humorously suggests a combined effort from the rotation, expecting a balanced team performance.

Statistical projections for each pitcher are speculative yet reflective of the excitement and high expectations surrounding the Dodgers' rotation. However, Ohtani's choice of words, "You can bet on it," wasn't the wisest given his past involvement in a betting scandal with his former translator Ippei Mizuhara. Many MLB insiders and reporters still speculate that Ohtani might have framed Ippei for betting on baseball, making this quote a risky choice in terms of public perception.

As we gear up for the season, the Dodgers' rotation, with its blend of talent, humor, and sheer audacity, promises to be one of the most talked-about aspects of the 2025 MLB season. Keep your eyes on this eclectic group, and indeed, you might want to bet on it, but remember, in baseball, as in life, surprises are always around the corner.