Shohei Ohtani admits his big contract brings bigger pressure as the Los Angeles Dodgers star targets an Opening Day return from injury.
The Japanese two-way phenom signed a $700 million, 10-year deal in December with the Dodgers as a free agent after six years with the cross-town Angels.
Speaking at the Dodgerfest fan event on Saturday, Ohtani admitted he knows more will be expected of him now, but that won’t change his approach to the game.
“I think my responsibilities will be heavier, but what I do remains the same…regardless of the amount of money,” Ohtani told Japanese media.
Ohtani will hit but not pitch this season as he recovers from a second Tommy John surgery.
But he said he is on target to make his Dodgers debut when they open the 2024 Major League Baseball season with a pair of games against their NL West division rivals the San Diego Padres in Seoul, South Korea in March.
“I’m still set to be ready on schedule,” he said, “If things continue as they are, I’ll be ready on time.”
