Shohei Ohtani extended his impressive run with his 37th home run, leading the Dodgers to a narrow 4-3 victory over the Twins. Meanwhile, the Yankees suffered an 8-4 loss to the Blue Jays, marking yet another disappointing result for the team. This ongoing contrast highlights Ohtani’s critical role as the Dodgers maintain their strong lead in the National League West Division.
Ohtani’s Home Run Milestone in the 2025 Season
Ohtani currently leads the National League with 37 home runs, underlining his consistent power-hitting ability. His performance suggests he is on track to join the elite ranks of players hitting 50 or more home runs this season, contributing significantly to the Dodgers’ dominance.
Ohtani’s Decision Not to Join the Yankees
The Yankees were reminded once again of Shohei Ohtani’s absence after he declined the opportunity to sign with the team twice—once in 2017 and again in 2023. Instead, Ohtani chose to continue his career with the Dodgers, one of New York’s biggest rivals. His time in Los Angeles has already brought a championship, including celebrating the title at Yankee Stadium, underscoring what the Yankees missed.
Yankees Face Challenges Amid Defensive and Offensive Struggles
The Yankees’ recent struggles reflect a team lacking cohesion, especially when compared to past eras when stars like Jeter and Posada helped overcome difficult games. On Wednesday, the lineup featured less established players such as Anthony Volpe, who managed a home run in the fifth inning, along with backup catcher J.C. Escarra and third baseman Oswald Peraza, who has faced offensive challenges. Defensive errors further compounded the team’s difficulties, contributing to their fall in the American League East Division standings.
Implications for Team Standings and Future Prospects
While the Dodgers continue to build momentum with Ohtani’s consistent contributions, the Yankees find themselves slipping, with five losses in their last ten games. They currently sit four games behind the Blue Jays and risk dropping to third place if their form does not improve soon. With playoff positioning uncertain, New York must address its weaknesses to remain competitive, whereas the Dodgers are well-positioned to keep their dominance going on the West Coast.
“Shohei Ohtani has already lifted a title and even celebrated that crown at Yankee Stadium.” —Source