Since his debut in 2018, Ohtani has redefined what it means to be a two-way player
With standout performances as both a designated hitter and pitcher, he has won the National League MVP award and maintains a 2.37 ERA in eight starts this season.
Why has no one else achieved the same?
Former two-way player Michael Lorenzen, now with the Royals, shared a theory as to why no other player has managed to replicate Ohtani‘s success. According to him, it is not just about talent or commitment, but rather a lack of opportunity.
Shohei had all the leverage. He proved his ability in a high-level league like Nippon Professional Baseball and came to MLB as a salary bargain. That allowed him to make decisions about how he wanted to develop
The Japanese environment as an advantage
In Japan, Ohtani had the space and support to develop as a pitcher and hitter. In contrast, two-way prospects in MLB – such as Brendan McKay, Reggie Crawford or Jac Cagliaone – have been forced to choose a single role early in their careers.
Lorenzen, who managed to be a pitcher and hitter in the minor leagues, even hit a home run, won a game and played in the field in the same game in 2019. But since 2021 he has not taken an at-bat, and his OPS+ of 84 was not enough to justify its use as a batter.
The last of its kind?
With the permanent adoption of the designated hitter in the National League from 2022, opportunities for two-way players have been further reduced. Lorenzen believes that unless a prospect proves his potential in a foreign league such as Japan, Ohtani could be the last to do so.
A unique phenomenon
Shohei Ohtani is unique not only for his talent, but also for the circumstances that allowed him to develop as a two-way player. His success is the result of skill, vision and an environment that supported him from the start.
In today’s MLB, replicating that path seems almost impossible, which makes Ohtani a phenomenon that may not be repeated.
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