Dave Roberts reveals his strategy behind Dodgers’ 2024 batting lineup featuring Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts & Freddie Freeman

Shohei Ohtani joining the Dodgers meant a formidable trio at the top batting order alongside Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts. The three former MVPs lit up the 2024 season and guided the team to its first-ever full-season World Series title since 1988.

Ohtani's addition to the lineup also meant healthy problems for manager Dave Roberts who had to sort the order in which the three were to bat. In an interview with Japan's Hochi News, the skipper revealed the selection process.

"I called all 3 of them into the manager's room," Roberts said, per Dodgers Nation. "Mookie (Betts) said, 'I want to bat first or second.' Shohei (Ohtani) said, 'I don't care.' Freddie (Freeman) said, 'I don't want to bat first.'

Betts fractured his thumb midway through the regular season, prompting Roberts to bump up Ohtani to the leadoff position. Upon his return, Betts slotted in the no. 2 hole as Ohtani had a lot of success as the leadoff hitter. Freeman alternated between the no. 3 and no. 4 cleanup spots alongside Teoscar Hernandez to give the team a healthy right-hand, left-hand mix.

The Dodgers' decision to unite the MVP trio was about cultural impact

In October 2024, ahead of the World Series Dodgers, President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman opened up about the team's decision to pursue Betts, Freeman and Ohtani. For Los Angeles, it was more about team morale than on-field performances.

“Depending on how they handle that stardom and responsibility has a pretty major impact on the culture of your team," Friedman said, per MLB.com. "For us, beyond the obvious talent with Shohei, Freddie and Mookie, who they are, what kind of teammates they are, those were really strong factors as well when we made our decision to be as aggressive as we were."

There have been moments when some of the biggest stars in the game haven't been compatible with each other. But, that has certainly not been the case for the Dodgers' famed trio thus far.

Betts and Freeman have guided the team to regular season success since 2021 but fell short when it came to the playoffs. Perhaps they needed someone like Ohtani to turn their fortunes. LA would only hope for more as it continues to build its dynasty.