6 mins agoLos Angeles Dodgers designated hitter/pitcher Shohei Ohtani compensated for not pitching in 2024 by having one of the greatest offensive seasons ever. The dynamic Ohtani slugged 54 home runs and swiped 59 bases while delivering a .310/.390/.646 triple slash, scoring 134 runs with 130 RBI in a stacked Dodger lineup. It is unclear how big of a role not being able to pitch played in his offensive approach, especially regarding aggression on the basepaths considering his previous career-high SB mark was 26. Ohtani has played in at least 157 games in three of his last four seasons and remains surrounded by immense R+RBI potential. His 2024 BABIP of .336 and HR/FB rate of 28 percent are nestled up to his career norms so one can't scream regression either, even if a career-best 60 percent hard-hit rate may simmer down toward 55 percent. He demands the first pick in most fantasy drafts as managers eye a return to the mound, while also monitoring his non-pitching shoulder following offseason surgery for a torn labrum suffered during the World Series. A perennial contender, the Dodgers may play it conservatively with Ohtani's innings during the regular season, but a career 3.01 ERA/1.08 WHIP and incredible 31.2 percent strikeout rate are valuable even when not fully unleashed. ATC Projections call for a 3.49 ERA/1.14 WHIP over 113 frames alongside 41 home runs, 34 steals, and a .285/.379/.576 slash line. A robust Dodger bullpen is also in place to support his wins as he defends his position as the top player in our ranks, ADP, and the game.--Nick Mariano - RotoBaller