Shohei Ohtani isn’t just a star; he’s the kind of player who makes you double-check the broadcast because it feels too good to be true. In an era that loves specialization, he’s built a reputation on doing the most difficult thing in the sport and making it look strangely routine. If you’ve ever wondered why people talk about him like he’s a once-in-a-century glitch, these five facts explain the hype.
He’s a True Two-Way Player in the Modern Game
Most big leaguers spend their lives mastering either hitting or pitching, and you can’t really blame them, considering either job is hard enough. Ohtani has done both at an elite level, which is why his seasons often read like two different All-Stars sharing one uniform.
His MVP Résumé is Already Historic
Awards can sway our opinion, but Ohtani’s trophy case has a certain “try arguing with this” quality. He’s won four MVP awards in five seasons—2021 and 2023 with the Angels, then 2024 and 2025 with the Dodgers—and each one came by unanimous vote. So, yeah, he’s pretty good.
The World Baseball Classic Gave Him a Storybook Moment
International baseball can feel like a different planet, and Ohtani thrives there, too. In the 2023 World Baseball Classic, he captained Japan’s run and earned tournament MVP honors, then finished the final by striking out Mike Trout, his MLB teammate at the time, in a moment that felt all but scripted.
His Dodgers Contract is as Weird as it is Enormous
All-Pro Reels on Flickr (Original version) UCinternational (Crop) on Wikimedia
You’ve heard the headline number—10 years, $700 million—and yes, it’s real. The twist is the deferrals: a massive chunk of the money is pushed into the future, which gives the Dodgers more flexibility in the present and gives you plenty to debate the next time someone cries contracts can’t get any bigger.
Injuries Haven’t Stopped Him
Two-way greatness comes with wear and tear, and Ohtani’s elbow issues have forced pauses and adjustments. Even so, he’s continued to evolve, shifting roles when needed. He’s also worked back toward full two-way play, which is his way of saying he’ll keep pushing boundaries.
