Andrew Friedman Believes Shohei Ohtani Will Excel in Specific Category in 2024

L.A.'s president of baseball operations believes his superstar player will do it all in 2024.

The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired the most complete player in baseball this offseason in Shohei Ohtani. 

There's nothing Ohtani can't do on the baseball field, whether it be hitting, pitching, fielding or running. While Ohtani won't be pitching (and likely won't be fielding) in 2024, that may give him the opportunity to do more running.

Ohtani has some of the fastest sprint speed in baseball, and has stolen as many as 26 bases in a season back in 2021.

Since he won't have to focus on pitching, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman believes Ohtani can reach a new level in base stealing this year. He spoke about it in a conversation with the New York Post's Joel Sherman.

“He will be more active on the bases as a result of not trying to save his legs for pitching. It’s a logical extension to say that it will benefit him offensively that his legs are under him even that much more. But I don’t really know that. But we’re willing to bet that whatever that production level is, it’s gonna be really good.”

via New York Post

Overall, Ohtani has 86 stolen bases in his six-year career. He recorded 20 stolen bases in 2023.

It's not like the two-way superstar lacks speed or athleticism, but he was pitching in previous seasons. This season, he won't need to worry about being on the mound as he is recovering from Tommy John surgery. This could mean he could take advantage of being more aggressive on the bags. 

Ohtani did say there are 'several levels' he could reach at the plate this season — maybe he can add a few level to his base stealing, too.