LA Angels’ two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani is taking his game to the next level with each passing day. Ohtani has been a hero that the Angels might not deserve to have. But here we are. Over the last couple of years, the reigning AL MVP has been carrying the American League side on his shoulders. Being a two-way player, Ohtani has emerged as the best player from both ends.
Had he played for heavyweights like the New York Yankees, LA Dodgers, or even the Boston Red Sox, the Japanese slugger would have probably been more successful in MLB. When Ohtani won the AL MVP last season, many cited him as a one-season wonder. But things are just the opposite right now.
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The latest stat suggests Ohtani has been the best two-way player since World War II. Notably, since his MLB debut, the Angels star has been the most consistent baseball player from the mound and plate.
Is Shohei Ohtani the best two-way player in baseball’s history?
Currently, Shohei Ohtani is the best two-way player in baseball. No doubt about that. But is he the best two-way player ever? The data suggests there has not been a better two-way player than Ohtani in the last 50 years.
Per CBS Sports, the Angels star has the highest slugging percentage (.621) from the plate since World War II (minimum 400 plate appearances), with runners in scoring position. And as a pitcher, he also has allowed the lowest slugging percentage (.201).
Read more: Shohei Ohtani Snaps LA Angels’ Losing Streak With Stunning Two-Way Display Against Miami Marlins
CBS Sports shared the stat on Twitter.
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Shohei Ohtani is just ridiculously good at baseball
via @MLBRandomStats pic.twitter.com/uu1KX90b00
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) July 8, 2022
Considering Ohtani has achieved so much greatness in just 3-4 years is a sign of a generational talent. And if he continues to play like this for the next 8-10 years, what he will achieve is beyond imagination.
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WATCH THIS STORY: Pitchers Nightmare Shohei Ohtani And Mike Trout Partnership Puts On A Home Run Blasting Show
Talking about his current season, the Angels star has collected 111 strikeouts in 12 starts, while he has also smacked 18 home runs from the plate. Given all the data and his consistency, do you think Shohei Ohtani can defend the AL MVP Award this season?