Will Shohei Ohtani Play Outfield for the Dodgers in 2024?

Is there anything he can't do?

When the Dodgers signed Shohei Ohtani to a 10-year, $700 million contract in December, it was because they were getting a top-five hitter and pitcher. With Ohtani recovering from elbow surgery, however, the Dodgers are getting roughly half of what they paid for in 2024.

Throughout the spring, rumors have circulated that perhaps Ohtani could play a little defense this year. Reports came out that he's been carrying around an outfielder's glove during spring training.

Recently, it was revealed that Ohtani would begin his throwing program when the team gets back from South Korea. That re-opened the door for him to play in the outfield.

In speaking with reporters Monday in Seoul, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts did not completely shut down the idea of Ohtani playing the outfield.

"Shohei this year is primarily going to be the designated hitter. Once we get back to the States, he is going to start his throwing program, which he hasn’t started yet, We’ll see how that progression goes. If his arm is healthy enough, we’ll have that conversation in the field. I do know he’s not going to pitch this year."

— Dodgers manager Dave Roberts,

via the Associated Press

This idea further supports the contract the Dodgers gave Ohtani. He's willing to play out of position in an attempt to help this team win.

Ohtani's return to the field is months away from happening, but it's a fun idea to think about. It would give the Dodgers further flexibility on their roster. 

Ohtani last appeared in the outfield in 2021, playing six games with the Angels. He wasn't involved in any fielding chances, but it marked his first games in the field since 2014, when he was playing for the Nippon Ham Fighters.

If he's only a DH, Ohtani's roster spot is the least flexible on the Dodgers' roster. So long as he's able to make throws back to the infield, having Ohtani in the outfield could help the Dodgers tremendously. 

Again though, it's too early and too far away to speculate on just what Ohtani playing the field could look like.