“All-Round Player”: While Lauding Diamondbacks’ Star, Shohei Ohtani Compares Arizona Rookie to Ronald Acuña Jr.

Two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani has made headlines after this year’s MLB Player’s Choice Awards. Ohtani had a great season this year, both as a pitcher and a hitter. He led the majors with 44 homers, bagging 143 strikeouts with a 3.14 ERA. He was also voted All-Star for three consecutive years in 2021, 2022, and 2023. But it doesn’t mean the slugger doesn’t have praise for a different player.

Friendly and charming as ever, Shotime didn’t hold back from paying compliments to his fellow sportsmen. Some, he said, he wouldn’t like to face on the field. Some, he said, he would love to play with one day. But he had a special something to say about this year’s MLB Rookie of the Year, Corbin Carroll.

Carol for Carroll: Shohei Ohtani reflects on the Dodgers’ outfielder’s prowess on the field

In the video, Shohei Ohtani was seen discussing MLB PCA winners Corbin Carroll, Ronald Acuña Jr., and other sluggers on the list. “He’s like Acuña, an all-round player.” Ohtani looked serious while making this claim. As for Carroll, the first player to score 10+ triples, 25+ homers and doubles, and a staggering 50+ stolen bases in a single season, he deserves nothing less than being compared to a five-tool player like Acuña. The rookie scored 3 hits and 2 stolen bases, along with 3 RBIs, in this year’s NLCS game 7. Talk about a smashing entrance!

“He’s fast, he’s a power hitter, and can also hit home runs.” Ohtani didn’t take much of a break before carrying on with his impression of Carroll. We get it, Shotime. Carroll has entranced us all. In this season’s World Series, he batted .300 with 4 RBIs and 5 hits, leading off to his much-deserved MVP consideration. But how does he compare to Acuña’s aggressive playstyle?

Acuña vs. Carroll: Birds of the same feather?

Ronald Acuña Jr. and Corbin Carroll debuted in MLB by bagging Player of the Year awards in 2018 and 2023, respectively. They have a history of leading the majors with stolen bases, with Carroll’s 54 in 2023 and Acuña’s 37 in 2019. They both have bagged over 25+ homers in a single season as rookies, with Carroll’s 25 in 2023 and Acuña’s 41 in 2019. Coincidence?

Not likely, as the outfielders have similarities in their batting styles; both of them have high strikeout rates, high walk rates, and a high slugging percentage. Shohei Ohtani called it; it seems like Carroll and Acuña are twins in the making—just think of the chance of the power duo they make!

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With such high words to shower, 2023 MVP nominee Shohei Ohtani surely can do with a game or two with Carroll. Will we see the star sluggers face each other off at a game anytime soon? Let’s keep an eye on the 2024 game lineups to find out!

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