Dodgers standout Shohei Ohtani is on track for another MVP nod this season, showcasing his exceptional two-way abilities. After more than 20 months recovering from a UCL tear, he recently returned to pitching while continuing to lead the National League with 29 home runs and impressive hitting stats, including a .287/.388/.633 slash line. Despite his current status as arguably the best player in baseball, Ohtani’s talent was met with skepticism before his <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/baseball/mlb/”>MLB debut.
Ohtani’s dominance in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball sparked doubts among fans, analysts, and players about whether his success would carry over to what many consider a superior league. Former All-Star pitcher Carlos Estevez shared his initial skepticism about Ohtani’s transition.
“That’s a big surprise. Even when he came over to the league, there was a lot of doubt and us as players kind of thought that it would be hard [for him],” said Estevez. (2:59-3:06)
Estevez emphasized how remarkable Ohtani’s performance has been, especially given his marathon effort during injury recovery.
“If he gets his off days and he gets there, he’s going to be fine. Then he was playing every single day trying to [complete] 162 games. I mean he got hurt. But still, the guy had Tommy John and won a World Series. Now, he debuted on the [mound] in the biggest [stage]. How can you do that? 100 [mph] right away. Come on.” (3:07-3:30)
When Ohtani first arrived in the United States, many questioned whether his achievements in Japan’s NPB would measure up to the demands of Major League Baseball. The NPB has often been perceived as a lesser league compared to MLB, fueling skepticism about whether he could maintain his superstar status. Now entering his sixth season in MLB, Ohtani has not only lived up to expectations but has exceeded the high hopes of his critics.
Matching Willie Mays in a Historic Early-Season Performance
In a recent game against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field, Shohei Ohtani etched his name alongside one of baseball’s all-time greats, Willie Mays. Ohtani hit a solo home run, marking his 28th of the season, and became the first player since Mays in 1954 to record at least 28 home runs and six triples within the first 80 games of a season. This rare achievement further strengthens his Hall of Fame candidacy and highlights the unique blend of power and speed that defines his game.
Ohtani’s remarkable ability to excel both on the mound and at the plate, combined with his recovery from serious injury, demonstrates an extraordinary level of talent and resilience. His continued success underscores why initial doubts about his MLB potential have been thoroughly dispelled, signaling that his legacy will likely be remembered among baseball’s elite performers.