If baseball fans are fortunate, they might get to see Shohei Ohtani’s impressive skills as a hitter and possibly a pitcher for another ten years. However, many already consider the 30-year-old among the sport’s greatest legends.
On Thursday, Ohtani achieved something extraordinary by becoming the first player in Major League Baseball history to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season.
He celebrated with his first three-home-run game, his first six-hit game, and a franchise and career-high 10 RBIs while playing in Miami.
“There’s definitely arguments that could be made that he’s better than Babe Ruth,” said Mets outfielder Brandon Nimmo on Friday. “Everybody always talks about Babe Ruth as one of the greatest baseball players, if not the greatest of all time. I think we’re playing with the modern-day Babe Ruth here.”
Although Ohtani is only in his eighth season in the majors after spending five years in Japan, some wonder if he’s already earned a spot in Cooperstown.
He is the clear favorite to win his third Most Valuable Player award this season, according to BetMGM.
“I feel like his pace and potential could lead to one of the best careers ever,” said Astros outfielder Jason Heyward.
“We all know that he needs to keep playing to finish out his career, but I believe he can achieve many more amazing things and put up numbers that we’ll look back on and wonder if anyone can reach them.”
Ohtani could enhance his legacy in the upcoming weeks when he makes his postseason debut. His Los Angeles Dodgers secured a spot in October baseball with Thursday’s victory and are expected to be strong contenders for the World Series.
There’s even a slight chance he could return to pitching during the playoffs after undergoing elbow surgery in the offseason.
“We leave it to other people to decide who the all-time greats are, but it’s undeniable that what we’re watching is incredibly special,” said Josh Rawitch, president of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.
“People are excited about what they’re seeing, and that’s very understandable.”
Around this time last season, Ohtani faced a significant setback. The two-way star was having a fantastic year for the Los Angeles Angels both as a hitter and a pitcher when he tore a ligament in his pitching elbow on August 23.
This led to his second major surgery on that elbow.
However, the big-spending Dodgers were not discouraged by the injury during free agency, signing Ohtani to a massive $700 million, 10-year contract, the richest in MLB history. So far, he has definitely lived up to that deal.
With the focus solely on hitting, Ohtani is having what many consider his best offensive season. He is batting .294 with 51 home runs and 120 RBIs, while also stealing 51 bases and getting caught only four times.
Some, like Angels manager Ron Washington and Red Sox pitcher Tanner Houck, prefer to wait until Ohtani’s career is finished before judging his chances for the Hall of Fame. But it’s clear he’s heading in the right direction.
“I like to see the full career,” Houck said. “But the milestones he has so far, and a historic season like right now, make him definitely the top player in the game.”
Washington added, “Let’s let his career develop and we’ll see where his numbers are. If he stays healthy and plays as long as he wants, he will certainly be considered for the Hall of Fame.”
Diamondbacks first baseman Christian Walker, who competes against Ohtani in the NL West, said it’s easy to respect someone who works so hard.
“He seems like he goes about his business the right way,” Walker said. “In such a big spotlight, it’s impressive to keep a level head and continue to perform at such a high level. It’s a huge market, and to be as consistent as he is is truly impressive.”
Astros pitcher Yusei Kikuchi, who is also from Japan, said Ohtani has already established himself as one of the best players in baseball.
“He’s probably about to win his third MVP, and he’s done things that no other player has done, being a two-way player and achieving the 50/50,” Kikuchi said through an interpreter. “So it’s hard for me to judge, but I think he probably qualifies for the Hall of Fame.”
For baseball fans who follow advanced stats, Ohtani has reached 42.3 WAR for his career, according to baseball-reference.com. This number is significant, but most players in the Hall of Fame have at least 50-60 WAR.
However, the unique nature of Ohtani’s career—especially as likely the best two-way player ever—means he could retire today and still have a strong chance of being in the Hall of Fame.
“It’s hard to say no,” said Rangers outfielder Travis Jankowski. “I know it’s so early, but I think he could have average years for the rest of his career and still be a Hall of Famer. …
He’s probably going to win the MVP, and winning MVP as a DH was unheard of before, so it’s incredible.”
Rawitch mentioned that Ohtani has been “unbelievably generous” with his contributions to the Hall of Fame over the years and has a deep understanding of baseball history. The Hall’s upcoming major exhibit, titled “Yakyu/Baseball,” will launch next summer and will explore the shared baseball history of Japan and the U.S.
This exhibit will highlight Japanese stars like Ichiro Suzuki, Hideki Matsui, and Hideo Nomo, while also looking at American players who have played in Japan.
There will definitely be a lot to say about Ohtani, who is among the best players from both Japan and the U.S.
“This guy is changing the game,” said Pittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton. “He’s special. He’s going to be remembered as one of the best players ever, even though he’s not pitching this year. What Shohei has done for baseball is amazing and thrilling. We need more of that.”
