Shohei Ohtani has solidified his status as one of baseball’s brightest stars with a breakout 2025 MLB season, showcasing a historic performance by hitting his 20th home run. This milestone not only places him ahead in the home run race but also cements his place in Los Angeles Dodgers history, proving critics wrong with his exceptional dual-threat talent as both a hitter and a pitcher.

From Early Season Struggles to Unstoppable Dominance

Just weeks ago, Shohei Ohtani faced questions about his return to form after a challenging start to the season. Instead of fading under pressure, Ohtani has delivered an electrifying turnaround that has reignited excitement among fans and analysts alike. His recent performances emphatically underscore that this is not a simple comeback but a new peak in his already extraordinary career.

His batting prowess has been on full display with every home run and stolen base, demolishing any lingering doubts about his ability to perform consistently at the highest level. In doing so, he has rewritten expectations for what a baseball player can accomplish both offensively and defensively in one season. Ohtani’s unique skill set continues to force the baseball world to recognize his all-around greatness.

Manny Ramirez’s Unexpected Endorsement of Ohtani

Among those recognizing Ohtani’s impact is Red Sox legend Manny Ramirez, a player once considered one of the greatest hitters of his generation. Ramirez, known for his remarkable career statistics that include 555 home runs and a .312 batting average, has publicly acknowledged Ohtani’s place among the elite.

Learn to use your legs, follow the advice of the best, look at Shohei Ohtani, who is one of the best after me,

—Hector Gomez, MLB Insider quoting Manny Ramirez

Ramirez’s acknowledgment signals a powerful endorsement, especially given his storied reputation. While Ramirez excelled primarily with his bat, Ohtani’s ability to contribute extensively as a hitter, pitcher, and baserunner sets him apart and hints at a broader influence on how baseball greatness is defined.

Historic Home Run Marks and Dodgers Franchise Milestones

On Tuesday night, Ohtani etched his name prominently into MLB and Dodgers history by becoming the first player this season to achieve 20 home runs. His towering two-run homer in the fourth inning helped the Dodgers secure a 9–5 victory over the Cleveland Guardians and pushed him two home runs ahead of close competitors Aaron Judge, Cal Raleigh, and Kyle Schwarber, each holding 18 homers.

This achievement places Ohtani in elite company within the Dodgers’ franchise. He now ranks as only the third player ever to reach 20 homers in the team’s first 55 games, joining legendary figures Gil Hodges (21 in 1951) and Cody Bellinger (20 in 2019). This distinguished club speaks volumes about Ohtani’s immediate impact and his ability to shine under pressure early in the season.

Ohtani’s Ongoing Journey Back to the Pitching Mound

Ohtani’s remarkable season is not limited to his offensive accomplishments. Fans have eagerly awaited his return to the pitching mound following recovery from his second Tommy John surgery, and recent signs indicate his comeback is progressing well. On Sunday, he faced live hitters in New York for the first time in his rehabilitation process, delivering 22 pitches that showcased his full arsenal and impressive velocity.

Later that same night, Ohtani demonstrated his offensive prowess once again by leading off the game with a home run and has since continued to add power at the plate. His fastball, reportedly clocking between 94 and 97 mph, is a promising marker of his readiness to resume pitching duties. Plans are underway for him to face live hitters again soon, likely before the Dodgers’ upcoming game against the Yankees.

Although there is no rush for Ohtani to return as a pitcher, team officials expect him to rejoin the mound sometime after the All-Star break, setting the stage for a thrilling second half of the season. His presence as a two-way player could add significant excitement to the Dodgers’ playoff run later this year.

The New Era of Baseball Greatness

Shohei Ohtani’s 2025 MLB breakout and historic performance continue to shift the conversation about baseball’s most exceptional talents. Unlike many players who excel in one dimension of the game, Ohtani seamlessly dominates as both a hitter and a pitcher, offering a rare combination of power, speed, and precision. His ability to overcome early-season struggles and climb to the top of league leaderboards confirms his resilience and unmatched skill.

The endorsement from Manny Ramirez, a household name in baseball, adds another layer to Ohtani’s growing legacy, highlighting the passing of the torch to a player who seems poised to redefine the sport’s standards. For Dodgers fans and baseball enthusiasts around the world, this season promises an exhilarating journey, with Ohtani at the heart of it, pushing boundaries and setting new milestones.

As Ohtani continues to heal and prepare for a full return to pitching, the coming months are likely to showcase even more impressive feats. His unique talents and dedication have breathed new life into the game, and his influence will be felt well beyond 2025. The season ahead offers not only thrilling baseball but also the unfolding story of a true sports superstar rewriting history.