Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani Says He Probably Won't Compete in 2025 MLB Home Run Derby

Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, who currently ranks second in MLB with 29 home runs, told reporters on Saturday he doesn't plan to compete in the 2025 Home Run Derby.

"With the current rules in place, I don't think it's feasible for me to be able to compete well," Ohtani said through an interpreter after the Dodgers' 9-5 loss to the Kansas City Royals on SportsNet LA.

Hitters face a maximum of 40 pitches through the first two rounds of the Derby, and a maximum of 27 pitches in the final round, thanks to rule changes put in place last year.

ESPN's Buster Olney reported last June that players had previously expressed concern over the injury risk involved in taking pitches in such quick succession.

Ohtani may be particularly conscious of limiting his at-bats given his recent comeback as a two-way player for the Dodgers.

In his third start since returning from both Tommy John and left shoulder surgery, Ohtani threw 20 strikes on 27 pitches through two shutout innings on Saturday.

He allowed one hit and one walk, struck out one batter and recorded the fastest pitch of his career when a first-inning fastball to Royals slugger Vinnie Pasquantino clocked in at 101.7 miles per hour.

Saturday marked the first time Ohtani had thrown more than one inning since his return to the mound.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts hasn't given Ohtani hard pitch or inning counts as he continues building his workload, per MLB.com's Sonja Chen.

Roberts has similarly said he is "staying out of" whether or not Ohtani competes in the Home Run Derby, per Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register.

Meanwhile, at the plate, Ohtani is batting .295 with a 1.045 OPS with 29 home runs and 54 RBI.

Staying healthy down the stretch could potentially allow Ohtani to both pitch and hit in the postseason for the first time in his career.

Ohtani also declined to participate in the Derby last season, citing his ongoing recovery from elbow surgery. He has only competed in the event once, when he was knocked out by Juan Soto in the first round of the 2021 Derby.

The 2025 Home Run Derby is set to take place at the Atlanta Braves' Truist Park on July 14. Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. and MLB home runs leader Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners have so far committed to the event.