Shohei Ohtani brought a personal touch to his offseason routine on Wednesday, arriving at Dodger Stadium with his dog, Decoy, by his side. The Los Angeles Dodgers superstar shared glimpses of the session on social media, offering fans a rare look at both athlete and canine companion spending time inside the ballpark as preparations for the 2026 season quietly begin.
Though the four-time MVP isn’t required to report to spring training until mid-February, Ohtani has already started light workouts at his home stadium. What made this visit special was Decoy’s presence throughout the afternoon. The beloved kooikerhondje quickly stole the spotlight, catching the attention of fans and Major League Baseball alike.
Shohei Ohtani Brings Decoy Along For Offseason Workout At Dodger Stadium
According to videos and images shared by Shohei Ohtani on Instagram, the session began on the field at Dodger Stadium, where Decoy freely roamed the outfield and played fetch while Ohtani worked through his drills.
The two later headed indoors, spending time in the Dodgers’ weight room before finishing the workout in the locker room. Major League Baseball even joined in on the moment, re-posting one of Ohtani’s videos on Instagram and writing, “Decoy is gearing up for the 2026 season! ⚾️🐶.”
Decoy has been a visible part of Ohtani’s public life for several years and has grown into a fan favorite across Los Angeles. In 2024, the beloved pup was featured on one of Ohtani’s first Dodgers bobbleheads and even delivered a memorable ceremonial first pitch during the giveaway at a home game.
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With several weeks remaining before spring training begins, Ohtani continues to strike a balance between early preparation and offseason downtime. His latest visit to Dodger Stadium offered a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse of that routine, highlighting not only the superstar’s dedication but also the loyal canine companion who has become a familiar presence by his side.
Dave Roberts Hails Shohei Ohtani As All-Time Great As Aaron Judge Comparisons Reignite
Shohei Ohtani continues to redefine how greatness is measured in Major League Baseball, and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts made that belief unmistakably clear during an appearance on MLB Network.
When discussing Ohtani’s overall impact on the game, Roberts delivered a powerful assessment that placed the Dodgers superstar firmly in historic territory.
“I do feel that he is the best player of all time to put on a baseball uniform, and I don’t need to see another five years to validate what my eyes are seeing,” Roberts said.
Those remarks followed another landmark season from Ohtani, whose 2025 campaign further cemented his status as the most unique talent the sport has ever seen. During the World Series, Ohtani authored a postseason performance unlike anything before it. In Game 3, he became the first player in history to go 4-for-4 with two home runs and two doubles, setting a new benchmark on baseball’s biggest stage.
Ohtani’s postseason run culminated in a championship, giving him his second consecutive World Series title. He also captured back-to-back MVP awards in those same title-winning seasons, a rare feat previously accomplished only by Hall of Famer Joe Morgan. The milestones further underscored his ability to thrive when the stakes are highest.
Does Dave Roberts think Shohei Ohtani is the greatest player of all time?
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 8, 2026
“I do feel that he is the best player of all time to put on a baseball uniform and I don't need to see another five years to validate what my eyes are seeing…”
MLB Network + @SageUSAmerica pic.twitter.com/taeUrjUd57
What continues to separate Ohtani from the rest of the league is not just his two-way role, but the elite level at which he performs on both sides of the ball. In the 2025 postseason, he produced more batted balls exceeding 100 mph than any player in MLB.
On the mound, he also threw more pitches clocked at 100 mph than every starting pitcher except Hunter Greene and Tarik Skubal, highlighting his unprecedented blend of power and velocity. Roberts’ assessment inevitably invites comparisons to Aaron Judge, particularly after Judge’s MVP-winning season and historic offensive production.
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Judge recently reached 190 home runs in his first 500 career games, joining an exclusive list that includes Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, and Barry Bonds. His batting average and slugging percentage continue to rank among the best in the sport, fueling ongoing debates about baseball’s modern greats.
However, Roberts’ argument is rooted in overall impact rather than specialization. While Aaron Judge’s dominance as a hitter is undeniable, Shohei Ohtani’s rare ability to influence games both at the plate and on the mound places him in a category entirely his own—a distinction that continues to define and fuel one of the most compelling debates in modern baseball.
