Shohei Ohtani’s extraordinary 2024 season with the Los Angeles Dodgers has cemented his status as a once-in-a-generation talent, but it’s a recent comment from assistant pitching coach Connor McGuiness that has sparked widespread intrigue. In a candid moment reported by Dodgers Nation on July 15, 2025, McGuiness described Ohtani as “obsessed with baseball,” calling him the “epitome of a baseball junkie.” During a team meeting, McGuiness went further, boldly telling the three-time MVP, “You’re not just playing baseball—you’re rewriting it.” This unexpected remark stunned Ohtani and his teammates, highlighting the profound impact of his relentless dedication. As Ohtani continues to redefine the sport with his two-way prowess, this comment has ignited discussions about his mindset and the Dodgers’ championship aspirations.

Ohtani’s 2024 season was historic, as he became the first player in MLB history to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases, earning unanimous National League MVP honors. Now, in 2025, he’s back on the mound after a 21-month hiatus following elbow surgery, adding to his legend. McGuiness, speaking to Dodger Insider’s Cary Osborne, marveled at Ohtani’s love for the game, noting how he dives into every aspect—hitting, pitching, and baserunning—with an almost scholarly passion. This obsession was evident in his June 17 pitching debut against the Padres, where he hit 100.2 mph and went 2-for-4 with two RBIs, despite allowing one run. Fans at Dodger Stadium roared as he jogged to the mound to Michael Bublé’s “Feeling Good,” a moment manager Dave Roberts described as “fanboying” for the superstar.

The Dodgers, who won the 2024 World Series with Ohtani’s offensive heroics, now see him as the cornerstone of their 2025 campaign. His return to pitching, starting with one-inning outings, has been carefully managed to ensure longevity, as noted by president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman in an ESPN report. Ohtani’s ability to balance hitting and pitching is unprecedented, with teammates like Max Muncy marveling at his seamless transitions from mound to batter’s box. On June 22, Ohtani struck out two in a scoreless inning and hit a home run and a three-run triple against the Nationals, a performance MLB.com called “mind-boggling.” His 26th homer that day reclaimed the NL lead, underscoring his dual-threat dominance.

McGuiness’s bold comment came during a strategy session where Ohtani’s meticulous preparation stood out. Strength and conditioning coach Brandon McDaniel told ESPN that Ohtani’s intuitive understanding of his body—knowing the exact velocity of his throws or swings—sets him apart. This precision, paired with his childlike joy, as catcher Austin Barnes noted in a Los Angeles Times piece, makes him a unique presence. Teammates like Clayton Kershaw and Blake Treinen have praised his ability to blend seriousness with playfulness, from joking in the clubhouse to delivering in clutch moments. A May 9 game against the Diamondbacks saw Ohtani’s rare emotional outburst after a go-ahead three-run homer, a moment Roberts compared to Barry Bonds’ clutch brilliance.

Ohtani’s obsession extends beyond the field. First-base coach Clayton McCullough told FOX Sports that Ohtani peppers staff with questions about technology and baserunning, reflecting his drive to improve. This curiosity helped him achieve 59 stolen bases in 2024, though his 2025 total has dipped to 26 as he prioritizes pitching rehab. Posts on X, like one from @DodgersNation, echo McGuiness’s sentiment, with fans calling Ohtani a “game-changer.” His impact off the field is equally significant, drawing Japanese sponsors and boosting Dodgers’ attendance, as The Guardian reported. Despite past controversies, like the gambling scandal involving his former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara, Ohtani’s focus remains unshaken, with ESPN confirming his innocence.

The Dodgers’ injury-riddled pitching staff, with 14 players on the injured list, makes Ohtani’s return vital. His July 12 outing against the Giants, where he pitched three innings and struck out four, ended a seven-game losing streak, showcasing his “edgy” pitching persona, per Roberts. As Ohtani builds toward full starter workloads, his teammates feed off his energy. Freddie Freeman, after Ohtani’s ninth straight RBI game in June, told FOX Sports, “Sometimes you just have to step back and appreciate a player like this.” McGuiness’s comment, while surprising, encapsulates Ohtani’s transformative presence. As the Dodgers chase another title, Ohtani’s obsession with baseball continues to rewrite the sport’s history, one pitch and swing at a time.