Shohei Ohtani’s Fastball Is Faster Than Ever - Even After Surgery
Shohei Ohtani’s 2025 season was already the stuff of legend. National League MVP?
Check. World Series title?
Check. Historic offensive numbers while recovering from shoulder surgery?
Absolutely. But even with all of that, one of the most jaw-dropping developments came when he finally returned to the mound - and started throwing harder than ever before.
Yes, you read that right. After undergoing his second major arm surgery - this time on his right shoulder following the 2023 season - Ohtani came back in 2025 with a fastball that averaged 98.1 MPH, the highest mark of his career.
That put him in the 95th percentile league-wide. For a pitcher coming off a significant procedure like that, it’s not just impressive - it’s nearly unprecedented.
The Road Back to the Mound
Ohtani’s return to pitching wasn’t rushed. After his late-2023 shoulder surgery - which came during his final season with the Angels - the plan was always to prioritize his recovery.
The Dodgers, who signed him to a 10-year, $700 million deal in free agency, were betting on the long-term upside of a generational two-way talent. And in 2024, Ohtani delivered at the plate while taking the year off from pitching.
Once 2025 rolled around, the buildup to his return to the mound was methodical. He started with short stints, gradually increasing his innings as he regained strength and confidence.
But what stood out immediately was the velocity. Not only was he back - he was throwing faster than before.
To put it in perspective:
- In 2023, before the injury, Ohtani’s fastball averaged 96.4 MPH (88th percentile).
- In 2022, it was 97.3 MPH (93rd percentile).
- In 2021, he sat at 95.6 MPH (82nd percentile).
- His rookie season in 2018 saw him average 96.7 MPH, though a small 2020 sample (post-Tommy John) dipped to 93.8 MPH.
So, for Ohtani to come back in 2025 and top all of those numbers - after a second major surgery - speaks volumes about his physical resilience and the meticulous nature of his rehab.
What’s Behind the Velocity Spike?
When asked about the uptick during DodgerFest, Ohtani pointed to confidence and training as key factors.
“I’m feeling more confident in my throws,” Ohtani said. “I think it’s because of the training. I think it’s the second time through, my sensation felt great.”
That second time through - meaning his second major rehab process - seems to have given him a clearer understanding of how to build back better. He emphasized that he had “full confidence to be able to push a little bit more than a person,” a telling quote that hints at both his physical and mental edge.
There’s also a mechanical component. According to Japanese reporters at the event, Ohtani mentioned that returning to a traditional windup has helped boost his velocity. That slight tweak in delivery might be giving him better rhythm and more power through his motion - a small change with a potentially big impact.
What This Means for 2026
If Ohtani’s fastball can maintain this level - or even improve as he gets more innings under his belt - the Dodgers may be looking at another historic season from their superstar. He’s already proven he can dominate as a hitter, and now he’s showing signs that his pitching could reach new heights as well.
It’s one thing to return from shoulder surgery. It’s another to come back throwing harder than ever.
But that’s just who Ohtani is - a once-in-a-century talent who keeps finding ways to raise the bar. And if 2025 was just the warm-up, 2026 could be the encore no one’s ready for.