The Los Angeles Dodgers welcomed Shohei Ohtani’s return this season as a rare two-way player, showcasing his skills as both an exceptional hitter and a pitcher. Ohtani is coming back after undergoing his second Tommy John surgery and is currently pitching only in the starting role while maintaining his spot as the everyday designated hitter and leadoff batter, sparking curiosity about his potential as a dedicated pitcher.
Expert Suggests Ohtani’s Full-Time Pitching Could Dominate the League
Hall of Fame pitcher John Smoltz shared his thoughts on Ohtani’s pitching potential during an appearance on the Dan Patrick Show. Smoltz asserted without hesitation that if Ohtani were to focus solely on pitching for a single year without batting, he would become the best pitcher in baseball.
“If he never hits for one year, and just pitches, he’ll be the best pitcher in baseball. Period. Hands down. It’s not even a debate.”
—John Smoltz, Hall of Fame pitcher
This strong endorsement highlights Ohtani’s immense talent on the mound. The last full pitching season Ohtani completed was in 2022 when he threw 166 innings, recorded 219 strikeouts, and finished fourth in the American League Cy Young award voting. His pitching arsenal includes a fastball regularly reaching 100 mph and a sweeping pitch that disrupts hitters’ timing.
Balancing Pitching and Hitting: Ohtani’s Unique Challenge
Despite Smoltz’s confidence in Ohtani’s pitching prowess, the player’s extraordinary hitting ability makes it unlikely he will shift focus entirely to pitching. Ohtani earned the National League MVP last season while serving solely as a designated hitter, proving his offensive value to the Dodgers is equally critical.
Currently, the Dodgers are facing a rough patch, having lost six straight games for the first time since 2019. Swept by both the Houston Astros and Milwaukee Brewers, the team has been heavily outscored, 44-10 over these contests. A key issue has been the Dodgers’ sluggish offense, with Ohtani himself batting only .208 in his last 15 games, dropping his season average to .279.
Although Ohtani continues to hit with power, his batting average at the top of the lineup needs improvement for the Dodgers to rebound effectively. With the team still leading the NL West, returning to offensive form remains urgent as they strive for the best record in Major League Baseball.
The Future of Ohtani’s Role with the Dodgers
Ohtani’s ability to excel both as a pitcher and hitter makes him a unique asset, yet the question lingers whether dedicating his focus to pitching could elevate him to an unprecedented level of dominance. While his current two-way role benefits the team’s overall strategy, the possibility of him becoming exclusively a pitcher in the future continues to captivate analysts and fans alike.
The Dodgers’ management will likely weigh this balance carefully, aiming to protect Ohtani from overuse after his surgeries while optimizing his impact on the field. How Ohtani’s role evolves over the next seasons could shape not only his legacy but also the Dodgers’ pursuit of championship success.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Shohei Ohtani the only 50/50?
A. He and Ohtani are the only Dodgers to achieve this since at least 1901. Ohtani was already unique when he hit 43 home runs and stole 43 bases. To understand 50-50 better: he set a record with 51 home runs during a season where he also stole 50 bases, the most in Major League Baseball history.
Q. Is Shohei Ohtani in the 50/50?
A. Shohei Ohtani hit a home run, joining the 50-50 club. With three home runs and two stolen bases, Ohtani had an incredible game, especially given the circumstances and importance of the match.
Q. Does Shohei Ohtani have a 50/50?
A. Shohei Ohtani hit his 51st home run, a rare feat among Dodgers since 1901. Ohtani is really special in baseball, becoming the first in the 50-50 club. Even before this, when he hit 43 home runs and 43 RBIs, he was already exceptional.