Shohei Ohtani has captured worldwide attention in 2025, marking his debut as a pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers in June and celebrating his 1,000th hit against the St. Louis Cardinals. Despite ongoing debate about his ability to sustain excellence as both a hitter and a pitcher, Ohtani continues to prove his extraordinary skills on the field, solidifying his reputation as a unique talent in modern baseball.
MLB insider Rob Friedman emphatically highlighted Ohtani’s rare capabilities, challenging those who doubt the player’s pitching prowess. Friedman insisted that Ohtani’s pitching is among the most impressive in the game today and cannot be underestimated, reinforcing Ohtani’s status as a true two-way phenom.
“His stuff is just obscene. Anybody that thinks that dude shouldn’t pitch, send them to me. Is he not one of the filthiest pitchers in baseball? I think people forgot how good of a pitcher he is, because you cannot tell me he’s not one of the best pitchers on that team.”
—Rob Friedman, MLB Insider
Ohtani’s rise began during his standout performances in Japan, particularly during the World Baseball Classic (WBC) representing Team Japan. Friedman reminisced about Ohtani’s potential to deliver in high-pressure moments, like pitching and closing a World Series game as he did in 2023, which would only elevate his legendary stature.
“Like if he did that, what do you do? You just, like have to bow down to the guy.”
—Rob Friedman, MLB Insider
The Dodgers remain cautious about Ohtani’s health, prioritizing his long-term viability over immediate gains, given his demanding dual role. Such two-way athleticism has not been witnessed in the MLB for over a century, recalling some of the rare feats achieved by Babe Ruth.
NBA Champion Jeff Teague Sees Ohtani as a Sports Icon Comparable to Michael Jordan
On the Club 520 podcast, Jeff Teague, an <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA champion from 2021, praised Shohei Ohtani by drawing comparisons with basketball legend Michael Jordan. Teague questioned whether any athlete in sports history could parallel Ohtani’s extraordinary contributions as both a hitter and a pitcher.
“So, who you compare him to in any other sport? I don’t know who doing that. I mean, Michael Jordan won MVP, defensive player of the year, and the scoring title. He had the scoring title and the DPOY title in the same year.”
—Jeff Teague, 2021 NBA Champion
“So he’s more superior than Michael Jordan was in basketball, in baseball? I won’t say he’s more dominant, but I will say he’s more impressive.”
—Jeff Teague, 2021 NBA Champion
Although it is difficult to eclipse Michael Jordan’s legacy in basketball, Ohtani’s historic achievements continue to chart a remarkable path in baseball. His simultaneous success as a hitter and a pitcher this season has added a new dimension to the game, elevating his standing within the sport significantly.
Ohtani’s Two-Way Impact: A New Era for Baseball
Shohei Ohtani’s performance this year exemplifies a rare and exceptional two-way dominance that has reignited discussions about the greatest players in baseball history. His ability to excel in both pitching and hitting challenges conventional roles and draws inevitable comparisons to iconic figures like Babe Ruth. As the Dodgers manage his workload to preserve his health, fans and analysts eagerly anticipate whether Ohtani can sustain this level of performance throughout his career.
This emerging legacy could inspire a shift in how players are developed and valued, proving that combined talents can still thrive at the highest levels. With continued care and strategic use, Ohtani might redefine the future of baseball and secure a place among the all-time greats.