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Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani Reveals White House Visit Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sam Bernardi | Last updated Mar 31, 2025 6:00 AM ET

There is no shortage of controversy surrounding the Los Angeles Dodgers’ decision to attend the White House in April after capturing the 2024 World Series.

While a majority of the fanbase did not vote for President Trump, and Mookie Betts famously declined Trump’s invitation in 2019 as a member of the Boston Red Sox, the Dodgers are still going to be honored for their title.

According to Dylan Hernández of the Los Angeles Times, Shohei Ohtani will be there:

Ohtani said he would go. He got asked that by the Japanese media, he says he’s going.

Ohtani, who is a seemingly untouchable demigod by the league’s standards, is sure to receive some backlash from his fanbase over this move.

The growing divide between a state like California and Trump’s politics has left many with an uneasy feeling about the White House visit, despite what tradition may say.

However, there is the counterpoint of how Ohtani affects the team.

As the best overall player in the league and the face of the franchise, it will be difficult for other players not to follow in his footsteps. Then again, players like Betts and Freddie Freeman have already cemented their legacies and will likely not be influenced by a teammate, even one of Ohtani’s stature.

Another important note is that this is Ohtani’s first ring. Despite what people may feel about Trump, he is still the President and the trip is still a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Ohtani will probably have another opportunity during his Dodgers tenure, but nothing is certain in this league.

Ohtani is not the be-all end-all of this team, but whether or not players join him could reveal how much of a leader he truly is in the clubhouse.

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

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