Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani returned to his “norm” this season, as he spent 2024 as the team’s exclusive designated hitter.
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In his first season with the Dodgers, Ohtani became the first exclusive DH to unanimously win an MVP award. He also won a World Series and opened the 50 home run, 50 stolen base club as he finished the 2024 campaign with 54 home runs and 59 stolen bases.
This year, Ohtani made his long-awaited return to the bump and his offensive prowess hasn’t slowed down.
Ohtani leads the National League with 32 home runs and an OPS of .987, and is also sporting a 1.00 ERA across nine innings this season.
While the Dodgers two-way star has remained dominant as ever, Hall of Famer John Smoltz believes Ohtani could be the best pitcher in Major League Baseball if he gave up hitting.
“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,” Smoltz said on the Dan Patrick Show.
Smoltz is one of the greatest pitchers in MLB history. The right-hander had an illustrious 21-year career, racking up eight All-Star selections, a Cy Young award and World Series title.
And so, the storied Smoltz knows a thing or two about greatness.
The Dodgers have slow-played Ohtani’s return to the mound this season, but the right-hander has shown just how elite he can be with each start. Ohtani hasn’t given up a run since his first start against the San Diego Padres, where he gave up one earned run on two hits.
Since his pitching debut, Ohtani has been lights out tossing eight scoreless innings.
Part of Ohtani’s legend will be his ability to thrive in the batters box and on the mound, but it remains to be seen whether there is a scenario when the Dodgers two-way star eventually gives up hitting.
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Photo Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images
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One Response
Please take a moment to reflect on this article. The term used is “could” be the greatest pitcher. Media today is extremely different than 5, 10 or 20 years ago. Otani (short sample) is good but not great. I saw Kershaw in his prime, I saw Pedro Martinez is his prime and saw Randy Johnson in his prime. All 3 mentioned are better than Otani. This comment comes from a long time Dodger fan.