Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images

Dodgers Predicted to Make Bold Shohei Ohtani Lineup Change After Potential Trade

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jake Elman | Last updated Jun 4, 2025 2:27 PM ET

Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani is well on pace for his fourth MVP Award, and he's doing so from a familiar spot.

Ohtani has hit leadoff in all 59 games, batting .288 with 23 home runs and a 1.039 OPS for the NL West-leading Dodgers. Theoretically, it doesn't make sense to change what's working, especially with Ohtani in position for a second straight 30-30 campaign.

However, Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts might want to re-evaluate his lineup if the club acquires Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran.

Bleacher Report's Zachary D. Rymer proposed the Dodgers trade three prospects—catcher/outfielder Dalton Rushing, left-handed pitcher Jackson Ferris, and shortstop Emil Morales—to the Red Sox for Duran, a 2024 All-Star with three seasons of team control left.

Not only would Duran theoretically replace the struggling Michael Conforto in left field, but Rymer believes he'd hit leadoff. That would push Ohtani down in the lineup to a "more traditional RBI spot."

"The more at-bats he takes with men on base, the better," Rymer explained.

Rymer didn't specify if he believes the Dodgers would bat Ohtani second or third. Ohtani batted .314 with 19 home runs, 46 RBI, and a .989 OPS in 69 games as the No. 2 hitter last year.

Things obviously worked out fine for the Dodgers, who won their second title in five seasons. Ohtani hasn't publicly requested or outright demanded Roberts keep him hitting leadoff.

First, though, the Dodgers need to acquire Duran—and we expect them to face plenty of competition, so long as the Red Sox are willing to trade the speedy outfielder.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: