Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani recently opened up about his struggles over the past six years, missing out on the postseason while playing for the Los Angeles Angels. It’s been a frustrating experience for the talented athlete, who described these feelings as “mixed and complicated.”
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Throughout his time with the Angels, Ohtani shined with accolades, winning the 2018 American League Rookie of the Year, and the AL MVP awards in both 2021 and 2023. He made the All-Star team four times and boasts an impressive pitching record of 38-19, alongside remarkable batting stats averaging 41 homers and 97 RBIs in recent seasons. He officially joined the Dodgers in December 2023, a move aimed at finally tasting postseason success.
MLB’s view of Ohtani’s absence from the postseason has been straightforward—it’s a missed opportunity. His presence could have significantly elevated the excitement of the playoffs.
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Now, with Ohtani in the Dodgers’ lineup, MLB is seizing the chance to spotlight him in their postseason marketing. A recent 30-second commercial featuring Ohtani and Yankee star Aaron Judge, titled “Once in a Generation. Twice,” was released across social media.
As the postseason kicks off, with the Dodgers facing the San Diego Padres and the Yankees meeting the Kansas City Royals, Ohtani will also appear in an ad titled “Postseason Season,” celebrating the thrill of October baseball.
In Japan, where Ohtani is already a massive star, MLB is making a huge marketing push. The league has set up over 100 billboards around Tokyo, showcasing highlights from Ohtani’s record-breaking season, where he achieved the monumental feat of hitting 50 home runs and stealing 50 bases in the same year. This season alone, he hit 54 homers, stole 59 bases, and led the league with 134 runs and 130 RBIs.
Just made a quick trip through Shibuya and Roppongi to catch some of Ohtani’s campaign highlighting his 54/59 achievements!!!!
😭🙏🏻💖⚾️ pic.twitter.com/jugIZCaMEa— 🌸MATTEO 🌸マッテオ (@MatteoLuu) October 2, 2024
Having previously led the Nippon Ham Fighters to a Japan Series championship in 2016, Ohtani’s name is already well known in his home country. His current postseason visibility presents an essential opportunity for MLB to further capitalize on his fame.