‘Shohei Ohtani Is Two All-Stars in One’- Analyst Opens Up on Why LA Angels’ Two-Way Phenom Is the No. 1 Player in MLB

Shohei Ohtani is in no mood to slow down. The LA Angels two-way star is having a phenomenal season in 2022. Whether from the mound or plate, Ohtani has been impressive in both aspects. He is one of the reasons that the Angels have been playing some good baseball this season.

The reigning American League MVP had a breakthrough season in 2021. And many baseball pundits called him a one-season wonder. But Ohtani is Ohtani. The Angels’ two-way phenom is having even a better season than he had in 2021.

A dynamic force from the mound and a hit machine from the plate, Shohei Ohtani, is the Rolls-Royce of Major League Baseball. The Japanese slugger is playing only his fourth season in MLB. And in such a short time, he has established himself as one of the best players in the league. MLB analyst Ben Verlander ranked him as the best player in MLB.

Is Shohei Ohtani the best player in MLB?

Without any doubt, Ohtani is the best player in MLB, at the moment. Every manager dreams of having a player like him by their side. Given his two-way skills, Ohtani can single-handedly win games for his team.

Considering his impressive run in the current season, MLB analyst Ben Verlander ranked him as the best player in MLB. Taking to Instagram, Fox Sports shared a series of videos, in which Verlander is describing why Ohtani is the best. Verlander referred to him as a ‘two all-stars in one player.’

“He is pitching well. Three wins on the mound. He has figured out his swing. He has been a large part of the reason that the Angels are as good as they are. And pitching-wise, I just do not know where to start,” Verlander said. “He has got no-hit stuff… It is so impressive. Shohei Ohtani is two All-stars in one player. And that’s why he is at the top of my list of the top five players in MLB.”

Will Ohtani be able to retain his AL MVP?

In the 2021 season, Ohtani had 46 home runs and 146 strikeouts for the Angels, which helped him win his 1st AL MVP Award.

Read more: LA Angels’ Shohei Ohtani Joins Elite Company of Babe Ruth After Blasting His 100th Home Run In MLB

Cut to the 2022 season, the Japanese slugger already has eight home runs and 27 RBIs as a hitter, and 46 strikeouts as a pitcher. Knowing that the season is far from being over, Ohtani has a great chance to retain his AL MVP Award. 

Because there are over 100 league games still left to play. And who knows if Ohtani ends up breaking his own record this season?

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