Will Shohei Ohtani Continue to Walk for the Blue Jays? Baseball fans have already witnessed a memorable 2025 World Series. In Game 3, Freddie Freeman’s spectacular walk-off home run helped the Los Angeles Dodgers defeat the Toronto Blue Jays 6–5 in an incredible 18-inning thriller. The focus is still squarely on Shohei Ohtani, though, whose performance continues to redefine postseason perfection in spite of Freeman’s valiant efforts.
In Game 3, Ohtani creates MLB history.
Ohtani’s third game was very remarkable. In a single game, he became the only player in Major League Baseball history to reach base nine times. In addition, he became the first player since 1906 to record four extra-base hits in a World Series game.Ohtani added to the mythology by being the only player in history to blast three home runs in a single postseason game.
The Blue Jays adopted a daring and contentious strategy in response to this dominance: they purposefully walked Ohtani five times, four of them on purpose. Their plan was to prevent him from swinging, even if it meant taking on Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman.
John Schneider Justifies the Choice
Blue Jays manager John Schneider gave an explanation of his thinking following the lengthy defeat.
Schneider remarked, “He’s possibly the world’s greatest player.” We responded instantly. To defeat him, you must perform at a high level. We simply didn’t want him to beat us today, but every circumstance is unique.
Schneider makes a valid point. Toronto decided to test the depth of the Dodgers’ lineup since Ohtani was locked in and delivering at a historic rate.
Dave Roberts Recognizes — But Has Choices
Dave Roberts, manager of the Dodgers, did not take offense. Indeed, he saw that Toronto’s approach was based on respect.
Roberts declared, “He’s the world’s best player.” “John showed the utmost respect by refusing to allow Shohei beat him. Thankfully, Freddie and Mookie are immediately behind him.
Roberts is aware that his team cannot rely solely on Ohtani. In order to optimize run production when Ohtani is walked, he might think about switching Betts, Will Smith, or Teoscar Hernández about in the lineup as the series goes on.
Will Shohei Ohtani Continue to Walk for the Blue Jays?
Was the Strategy Effective?
Schneider’s risk paid off in Game 3, at least in theory. Four of Ohtani’s five walks were deliberate, frequently involving two outs or empty bases. Betts failed to take advantage of those free passes and went 1-for-8 with just one single, trailing Ohtani most of the time.
However, history indicates that the deliberate walk may backfire. Ohtani is a menace on the bases and can steal and create scoring opportunities on his own in addition to being a powerful hitter. Additionally, walking Ohtani might end up helping the Dodgers more than hurting them given the presence of top hitters like Smith, Betts, and Freeman after him.
The Dangers of Intentional Walking
According to statistics, one of baseball’s riskiest tactics is the intentional walk.
According to studies, the strategy rarely increases a team’s chances of getting out of an inning without being hit, unless there is a weak batter on deck or a double-play opportunity available. Intentional walks haven’t worked out well for most teams this postseason, according to MLB analyst Mike Petriello.
In a longer series, the Blue Jays may have to pay a price for sticking with this strategy. One of the Dodgers’ sluggers will eventually make an impression.
How the Dodgers Are Able to Respond
What is the Dodgers’ finest defense? Seize the opportunity. Los Angeles has a free baserunner with every intentional walk, which is a hazardous gift given their offensive prowess.
Roberts might think about switching Betts’ position in the order with Smith or Hernández if he keeps having trouble. The Blue Jays might be forced to think twice about walking Ohtani if they do this. The Dodgers are a team geared to punish mistakes, even strategic ones, and they thrive on depth and patience.
In Roberts’ words:
“Managers simply don’t stroll a guy that frequently. It’s a chance for us as well as a sign of respect.
The remainder of the 2025 World Series may be determined by the chess match between Schneider and Roberts, as Ohtani is rewriting the record books and the Dodgers are vying for another championship.
