Shohei Ohtani stands out in Major League Baseball for his rare ability to excel both as a pitcher and a hitter, throwing fastballs exceeding 100 mph while hitting with incredible power. Inspired by this, Kike Hernandez, his teammate on the LA Dodgers, has announced his ambition to officially become a two-way player by meeting <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/baseball/mlb/”>MLB’s inning threshold this season.
Kike Hernandez outlines goal to officially become a two-way player
On Monday, during an appearance on JM Baseball with Chris Rose, Hernandez shared his determination to reach 20 pitching innings, the minimum required to be recognized as a two-way player in MLB.
“Yeah, I am trying to get to 20 innings so I can officially become a two-way player. That is the threshold. 20 innings. You get 20 innings, you become a two-way player, and that is my goal. Unfortunately, the last two outings haven’t gone great. I’ve only been able to get one out,”
he admitted.
As of now, Hernandez’s 2025 season has been a mixed bag. In 169 plate appearances, he is batting .195, while his pitching stats reflect challenges, with a 15.19 ERA and a WHIP of 3.56. Despite the struggles on the mound, Hernandez remains committed to following in Ohtani’s footsteps and carving out his own two-way career.
Comparing Shohei Ohtani’s impact and personality
Shohei Ohtani’s presence on the Dodgers was cemented by his remarkable 10-year, $700 million contract and his major contribution to the team’s World Series victory in his debut season at Chavez Ravine. His dual-threat skills quickly made headlines, but his teammates also appreciate his unique character.
Kike Hernandez once described Ohtani as
“almost like a little kid, trapped in a giant body,”
highlighting the surprising amount of personality behind Ohtani’s reserved exterior.
“He doesn’t necessarily always show it. But I was surprised by how much personality he has. He’s awesome. And, he’s not that quiet,”
Hernandez said (via LA Times).
Continuing his success with the bat, Ohtani maintains impressive stats this year, batting .284 with 41 home runs and 77 RBIs, underlining his ongoing value as an elite hitter alongside his pitching prowess.
Implications of Hernandez’s two-way pursuit for the Dodgers and MLB
Kike Hernandez’s efforts to join Shohei Ohtani in the rare class of MLB two-way players highlight a growing trend valuing versatile athletes capable of impacting games both on the mound and at the plate. Should Hernandez achieve the 20-inning mark, it would not only mark a personal milestone but also deepen the Dodgers’ strategic options during games.
As Ohtani continues to set the standard for dual roles in baseball, Hernandez’s journey underscores the challenges and perseverance needed to compete at this level. His determination reflects a broader evolution in MLB where multifaceted skill sets are increasingly prized, promising exciting developments for the sport’s future.