‘He’s Jacob deGrom’- MLB Pundit Believes Shohei Ohtani Can Be as Good as New York Mets’ Ace Under This Particular Condition

Irrespective of his current form, Shohei Ohtani is the face of the Major League Baseball. What makes him more special is his ability to dominate the game from both ends. A dynamic force from the mound and a hit machine from the plate, Shohei Ohtani, is the Rolls-Royce of Major league Baseball.

Recently, ace MLB analyst Ben Verlander showered huge praise on the LA Angels superstar. Verlander even compared Ohtani with the New York Mets’ ace Jacob deGrom. Notably, on his day, Ohtani can outplay any pitcher in MLB. And after adding a few more pitches into his quiver, he has become even more skilled as a starter.

One can have their opinion about Ohtani for being a two-way player, but he can single-handedly win games for his team. Given his two-way ability, he also got the AL MVP Award in the last season. Although Shohei Ohtani is a two-way skilled player, what if he was only a pitcher or hitter? Had he been as successful as he is now?

Shohei Ohtani, the pitcher or the hitter?

The good thing is that Shohei Ohtani has been equally successful in pitching and hitting. He is one of the rare breeds of baseball who gets compared with the MLB legend Babe Ruth. But what if Ohtani was not a two-way player?

In his recent video, MLB analyst Ben Verlander said that had Ohtani been only a pitcher, he would have been as good as Jacob deGrom. Notably, the New York Mets’ ace is a two-time Cy Young Award winner.

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“I would never bet against Shohei Ohtani, doing what he is doing now… But if he was just pitching, he’s Jacob deGrom. And I think if he is just hitting, he is the best hitter in baseball. Add them both together and he is an elite at both,” Verlander said. 

“He is the unanimous MVP and he is one of the best players in baseball and the most impressive player that we have seen in Major League Baseball ever…”

Can Ohtani retain his Al MVP in 2022?

Given the current scenario, it is very difficult for the Angels star to win the American League MVP. Because as things stand, the New York Yankees slugger, Aaron Judge, is way ahead of him.

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Ohtani has only 11 home runs from the plate, while he has also failed to perform from the mound. Aaron Judge, on the other hand, is in a league of his own. The Yankees slugger has smashed 21 home runs in the ongoing season.

Considering the season is far from being over, do you think Ohtani will be able to defend his MVP Award?