Shohei Ohtani

Baseball Phenomenon

Two-Way Player / MLB Star / Japanese Baseball Legend

Japanese: [ˈʃoʊheɪ oʊˈtɑːni] | Nickname: Shotime

Pitcher Designated Hitter

Expert Tip: Shohei Ohtani is the first true two-way player in MLB since Babe Ruth, excelling both as a pitcher and hitter simultaneously.

Pitching Career

1Fastball Velocity

Ohtani's fastball averages 97 mph.

His fastest pitch recorded at 102 mph.

2Pitching Arsenal

He throws a splitter, slider, curveball and cutter.

His splitter is considered one of MLB's best pitches.

3Cy Young Contender

Ohtani finished 4th in Cy Young voting in 2022.

He had a 15-9 record with 2.33 ERA that season.

4Strikeout Leader

Ohtani recorded 219 strikeouts in 2022.

He averages 11.4 strikeouts per 9 innings.

5Pitching Milestones

He threw a complete game shutout in 2022.

First Japanese pitcher to hit and pitch in All-Star Game.

Expert Tip: Ohtani's pitching mechanics combine power and precision, with his split-finger fastball being particularly devastating to batters.

1Home Run Power

Ohtani hit 46 home runs in 2021.

He led the American League in homers that season.

2Batting Average

His career batting average is .274.

Peak season average of .285 in 2021.

3Speed on Bases

Ohtani stole 26 bases in 2021.

He's one of few 40HR/20SB players in history.

1MVP Season

Ohtani won the 2021 AL MVP unanimously.

First two-way player to win MVP since Babe Ruth.

2All-Star Appearances

He's been selected to 3 All-Star Games.

First player selected as both pitcher and hitter.

3International Career

Ohtani led Japan to 2023 WBC championship.

Struck out Mike Trout for final out in championship.

4Contract Value

Signed $700 million deal with Dodgers.

Largest contract in sports history.

Expert Tip: Ohtani's unique skillset has revolutionized modern baseball, forcing teams to reconsider how two-way players are developed and utilized.