Shohei Ohtani's journey from a 50/50 player to a potential Cy Young contender is a captivating tale, but it's also a controversial one. Can a two-way player truly excel at both?
ESPN's Alden Gonzalez brings us the story of Ohtani's remarkable transformation in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. As Ohtani recovered from injury and built up his stamina, pitching coach Mark Prior had his doubts about the two-way approach. But Ohtani's dedication proved him wrong. After each inning, he'd rush to the dugout for a review with his catcher and Prior, eager to understand his performance and make adjustments.
Ohtani's dual role created two distinct personas: the relaxed hitter and the intense pitcher. And as spring training kicked off, a clear mission emerged: to dominate on the mound. Dodgers' president of baseball operations, Andrew Friedman, witnessed Ohtani's determination in 2024, leading to a historic contract. Now, with a focus on pitching, the sky's the limit.
At 31, Ohtani has already secured four unanimous MVP awards in five years. But a Cy Young Award has eluded him. His coaches and teammates believe he's on a quest to claim it, leaving no doubt about his status as MLB's greatest talent. Catcher Dalton Rushing confirms, "He wants a Cy Young."
Ohtani's recent performances have been impressive, with mid-90s velocity and electric stuff. But the question remains: can he sustain this level? Ohtani's pitching career has been injury-prone, and his ability to continue is uncertain. However, his teammates, like Prior, believe in the power of camaraderie. Prior, once part of a formidable pitching duo, saw how Clayton Kershaw's presence elevated other pitchers. He predicts a similar dynamic between Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, both aiming to be the first Japanese MLB Cy Young winners.
Ohtani's return to pitching was gradual, starting with one-inning appearances in June and building up. Prior observed both Ohtani's predictability and his exceptional command of six pitches. The Dodgers' cautious approach to Ohtani's health and the presence of young, talented starters allow for a flexible schedule. But will this strategy hinder his Cy Young chances?
Despite the challenges, Ohtani has a history of surpassing expectations. Dodgers' third baseman Max Muncy believes he won't disappoint this year either. But here's where it gets controversial: is Ohtani's two-way approach a blessing or a curse in the pursuit of individual accolades? Share your thoughts below!
