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OCT 26, 2016: David Ortiz talks to the media prior to receiving the Hank Aaron Award before Game 2 of the 2016 World Series against the Chicago Cubs and the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field in Cleveland, OH. The Cubs defeated the Indians 5-1. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire). MLB Baseball Herren USA OCT 26 World Series – Game 2 – Cubs at Indians PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxRUSxSWExNORxONLY Icon161026080 OCT 26 2016 David Ortiz Talks to The Media Prior to Receiving The Hank Aaron Award Before Game 2 of The 2016 World Series Against The Chicago Cubs and The Cleveland Indians AT Progressive Field in Cleveland Oh The Cubs defeated The Indians 5 1 Photo by Ian Johnson Icon Sports Wire MLB Baseball men USA OCT 26 World Series Game 2 Cubs AT Indians PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxRUSxSWExNORxONLY
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OCT 26, 2016: David Ortiz talks to the media prior to receiving the Hank Aaron Award before Game 2 of the 2016 World Series against the Chicago Cubs and the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field in Cleveland, OH. The Cubs defeated the Indians 5-1. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire). MLB Baseball Herren USA OCT 26 World Series – Game 2 – Cubs at Indians PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxRUSxSWExNORxONLY Icon161026080 OCT 26 2016 David Ortiz Talks to The Media Prior to Receiving The Hank Aaron Award Before Game 2 of The 2016 World Series Against The Chicago Cubs and The Cleveland Indians AT Progressive Field in Cleveland Oh The Cubs defeated The Indians 5 1 Photo by Ian Johnson Icon Sports Wire MLB Baseball men USA OCT 26 World Series Game 2 Cubs AT Indians PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxRUSxSWExNORxONLY
David Ortiz has seen it all in his Hall of Fame career. However, a recent tour of Dodger Stadium with owner Mark Walter revealed a nine-figure investment for Shohei Ohtani. And that left even Ortiz speechless.
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“As we walked, I asked, ‘Mark, what’s up with this construction here?’ He replied, “It’s for Ohtani,” recalled Ortiz.
Between the 2024 and 2025 seasons, Dodger Stadium reportedly underwent a $100 million renovation. Among the multiple upgrades, the Dodgers specifically made one to suit Ohtani. In an interview with Abriendo Sports, Ortiz recounted a day in Dodger Stadium when the franchise’s majority shareholder, Mark Walter, left him stunned.
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Walter had taken Ortiz, accompanied by Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez, on a tour of the renovated stadium at the Dodgers vs. Yankees game. When the ‘Big Papi’ asked about one of the constructions, Walter revealed it was a new batting cage. And it was specifically built at Shotime’s request.
In 2023, during his shift from the Los Angeles Angels, Ohtani agreed to a record-setting 10-year, $700 million deal. The following season, Ohtani became a 50-50 player and led the Dodgers to a World Series championship.
Not only that, Ohtani brought local and international endorsements to the club while attracting spectators. The franchise was naturally ready to accommodate their MVP’s demands.
Walter had revealed to Ortiz, “After the season, we sat down with him and asked what we could do to help him get even better. We said, ‘Shohei, is there anything you believe we should do?’”
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Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers February 22, 2026 – MLB, Baseball Herren, USA : Los Angeles Dodgers Spring Training Workouts at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona, USA. PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxJPN aflo_320990051
The two-way phenom told Walter that he could become a better hitter if they had more batting cages in the clubhouse.
“I was surprised and asked, ‘What do you mean?’ He explained, ‘Yeah, being limited on the batting cages, I think if I had more space and more time to practice, I could become a better hitter,’” Walter apparently told Big Papi.
During his time with the Angels, Ohtani enjoyed using two batting cages. But the Dodgers had only one at the time.
LA responded with a $100 million upgrade at the clubhouse facility, which, according to Ortiz, turned into a Four Seasons. Meaning it has the high-end, luxurious standards of a Four Seasons hotel, emphasizing top-tier comfort and utility.
On his part, Ohtani also delivered.
Last season, he batted with an average of .282, hitting 55 homers, 102 RBI, and 146 runs with 1.014 OPS. Furthermore, his bat contributed to the Dodgers’ 2025 World Series win with 3 homers, 6 runs, and 5 RBIs.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers manager, Dave Roberts, has revealed Ohtani’s pitching workload for this season is not yet certain.
Dave Roberts on Ohtani’s pitching
Shohei Ohtani is arguably the best player in baseball and the most valuable asset of the Dodgers. His two-way talent in pitching and hitting makes him rare, and the Dodgers are always careful about how to handle him.
Ohtani made his comeback last season after undergoing his second Tommy John surgery on his throwing elbow. He posted a 2.87 ERA in 14 starts across 47 innings with 62 strikeouts.
However, according to Dave Roberts, the Dodgers are still figuring out what his pitching workload will look like in 2026.
“It’s simply not an exact science. As much as people want to think it might be—and some probably do—not all innings are created equal. Not all pitches are created equal.”
Roberts has also revealed that Ohtani’s health will be the deciding factor. They are ready to give him extra days of rest if required.
“We talk to him a lot about how he’s feeling. And if there are days when we need to give him a few extra days off, we’re prepared to do that. But yes, I just don’t know the extent of it. I really don’t,” the manager noted.
As the Dodgers take on the Blue Jays in a three-game series, Ohtani will make his second start of the season on Wednesday.
Written by
Edited by
Arunaditya Aima