Is there anything that Shohei Ohtani can’t do? The two-way phenom can pitch as ferociously as he hits. However, this season the fans haven’t been able to see this beloved Los Angeles Dodgers star standing on a mound. But then, despite his second elbow surgery Ohtani still managed to get a huge $700 million deal. Part of the reason for it was the promise that he’d be pitching again. Yet, doubts about his future began to gain momentum after he found another level in his hitting journey.

2024 has been by far the best year for Shotime when it comes to hitting. The star hasn’t just been dominating the plate but he’s found himself becoming a part of the rare triple crown race. This rise in form while playing as a DH has suddenly given birth to a new question – should Ohtani continue to pitch? The risk of injuries has led to many demanding the 2x MVP to abandon a journey to the mound. However, while others might want to see hitter Ohtani, Rich Eisen has a different take on this topic.

Shohei Ohtani tipped to return to pitching

The former pitcher had been put out of action due to his last elbow surgeries. Even though he has continued hitting, one part of his expertise, which was supposed to be pitching, is not going well considering his delayed recovery. Rich Eisen recently sat down on his show and discussed this. The commentator said, “If I’ve bought him as a Dodger office executive for a $700 Million contract, and I’m going to start paying him annual payments of $50 Million a year, when he’s not playing for me, I’m gonna get my money’s worth when he still can do it and put him on the mound every fifth day until he just says I can’t do it anymore. That’s simple.”

Rich believes that the management would want the Dodgers star to pull through and start pitching again. The reason why his skills are important for the team is the fact that he attained fourth place in Cy Young voting in 2022, an award reserved for the best of pitchers in MLB. On top of it all, he is also a brilliant hitter, the primary reason why his contract cost the Los Angeles Dodgers $700 million. All of it combined makes Rich Eisen think that Ohtani can do it all if he pulls through.

In short, this is a player who is an elite on the plate and on the mound. Baseball has rarely, if ever, seen someone so dominant. Perhaps that’s why there have been talks about him starting pitching again in 2025. If things don’t go according to plan, it may delay a bit more. A sports analyst has the exact opposite view on Ohtani’s future in baseball.

Should Shohei Ohtani remain a hitter?

Being a two-way player has come with its perks for the player. He has been titled as the MVP twice. However, the major risk that he has had to endure because of this is that he was more susceptible to injuries and required two elbow surgeries to get where he currently stands. If this continues, not only will he be considered a liability to the company but also remove his ability to dominate the diamond as he used to do. So, sports analyst Brian Kenny recently spoke about how Shohei Ohtani should instead focus on just one thing and leave the other for the rest of the team to decide.

Kenny opined how he is already doing great in the role of a hitter for the Dodgers. So, it would make sense that he keeps growing in that direction. Moreover, if he tries to handle both, he will risk getting injured again. This makes it a risky investment. The view is completely opposite to what Rich Eisen pitched for the future. So, we won’t be able to see what path the manager of the team chooses for Shohei Ohtani. If he is back as a two-way star, it would certainly be something to celebrate for the fans of the Japanese baseball star.

What are your thoughts on Shohei Ohtani’s career moving forward? Do you agree with Brian or Rich more?