Shohei Ohtani has been in terrific form during the 2024 MLB midseason. He has smashed 29 home runs, boasts a batting average of .316, and has an impressive 1.033 OPS. With such outstanding midseason stats, he was the man to beat at the All-Star game. Unlike previous All-Star games, when he was denied even a single home run, the tables turned in 2024. The Dodgers star smashed a three-run homer, joining Ichiro Suzuki in striking a homer in the 2024 All-Star Game.

What’s more? Against the Detroit Tigers, Ohtani reached yet another astonishing milestone. He hit his 200th career homer at Comerica Park on July 14. The two-way maestro also secured the American League’s MVP award in the 2023 season. Admiring Shohei Ohtani’s unmatched numbers and historic feats, former baseball outfielder Jeff Francoeur praised the two-way Japanese MLB star.

Jeff Francoeur pours a bucket of praise on Shohei Ohtani

The former Atlanta Braves outfielder might have retired, but his love for baseball remains evident. On ‘The Rich Eisen Show,’ he spoke with the host about Ohtani as a player. Sharing his opinions on Shohei’s competition at the current MLB level, Francoeur said, “From Ohtani, I don’t think there is one. It’s incredible watching him. This guy’s gonna have a chance to win the National League MVP this year and be at least one of the top two, if not.” Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani are the two front-runners in the current MVP race.

With Ohtani in top form, Judge has not been short of touch. In the 2024 season, Judge has smashed 34 homers and has a batting average of .308, standing in sixth place in the batting average rankings. However, looking at the overall numbers, Judge might be ahead of Shohei. But Ohtani’s status as a two-way player gives him a slight advantage over the competition.

Taking the conversation forward and sharing his stance on Ohtani being a once-in-a-lifetime generational talent, Jeff continued, “If you watch Sho play, he plays with an edge man, he’s something you haven’t seen, he plays with a lot of passion, a lot of grit.” Without a doubt, Shohei Ohtani’s unparalleled records are a testament to his dedication. Apart from his MVP award and recent All-Star record, he has another historic feat under his belt. Ohtani is the first player in MLB history to hit 40 homers and steal 15 bases in the first 115 games of his career. 

Lastly, talking about Ohtani’s pitching, Francoeur said, “He hasn’t even pitched, so like I said, you might see a scenario where if he stays healthy pitching, he could win four or five MVPs in a row.” Since a couple of months ago, when Ohtani dealt with an elbow injury, he has not been able to pitch. However, before the injury, his pitching numbers were impressive. In the 2021 MLB season, ‘Shotime’ struck out 100 batters, a historic feat for any MLB player. Although he will be out of pitching action in the 2024 season as he’s still recovering from Tommy John Surgery, he awaits the 2025 season to resume his pitching career.

The 2025 MLB season, Ohtani’s first MLB game in Japan

When the Blue Crew signed Shohei Ohtani in the 2023 offseason, there were assumptions about the future MLB schedule. However, the MLB had already planned to open the 2025 season with the first two games in Tokyo, Japan. On July 18, 2024, the speculation became official. Whichever team signed Ohtani, whether the Dodgers or Cubs, would have played the initial MLB matches in Japan.

The MLB announced that the Los Angeles Dodgers will face the Chicago Cubs in a two-game series. It will be held from March 18-19 at the grand Tokyo Dome. For Ohtani, it will be a special occasion. Since 2018, when he joined MLB, he will play major league baseball for the first time in his home country. It will also be the sixth time that Tokyo, Japan, will host a series.

What’s more? It will be an opportunity for Ohtani to pitch in the 2025 MLB season. Potentially, he will break his long-awaited jynx and return to the mound, pitching for the Los Angeles Dodgers in Tokyo, Japan. 

Ultimately, for a country like Japan, which has produced players like Suzuki and Ohtani, hosting the 2025 MLB games will be a treat for the fans. For Ohtani, who might be looking to unleash his pitching prowess, what better place than his beloved hometown, Japan?