Is Shohei Ohtani the GOAT?

The Ohtani Phenomenon

Is Shohei Ohtani the GOAT? The question of whether Shohei Ohtani could be considered the greatest of all time (GOAT) in baseball often sparks heated debates. Indeed, this multi-talented player has achieved unprecedented milestones in his nascent career, positioning him as one of the most remarkable talents the sport has ever witnessed.

A Historic Season: 2021

Back in 2021, Ohtani made history by becoming the first player in Major League Baseball (MLB) to clinch the American League MVP Award as both a pitcher and a hitter. He led the American League in home runs with an impressive 46 and showcased his value by recording a WAR (Wins Above Replacement) of 9.0. His performance during that year was nothing short of historic, providing compelling reasons to consider him for the GOAT debate.

Ohtani’s Stellar 2022 Season: Unprecedented Two-Way Dominance

Shohei Ohtani had another incredible season in 2022, posting some of the best numbers in baseball history for a two-way player. He finished the season with a .270 batting average, 46 home runs, and 96 RBIs as a hitter, and a 9-2 record with a 3.18 ERA and 123 strikeouts as a pitcher. He was also selected to his second consecutive All-Star Game and won the American League MVP award.

The Playoff Conundrum

However, while Ohtani’s individual performance has been nothing short of extraordinary, it is crucial to note that he has only participated in the MLB for three seasons, and has not yet guided his team to a playoff berth. There’s a subset of baseball enthusiasts who assert that a World Series win should be a prerequisite to be considered the GOAT. Yet, others contend that Ohtani’s unparalleled proficiency as a two-way player already entitles him to be part of the GOAT discourse, irrespective of his team’s fortunes.

The Subjectivity of GOAT

Ultimately, whether Shohei Ohtani earns the title of GOAT is up to each fan’s personal judgment. Ohtani’s prowess cannot be overlooked – he’s a distinctive talent with the potential to be etched in the annals of baseball as one of the sport’s most extraordinary players.

Ohtani vs. Ruth: A Statistic Comparison

One way to gauge Ohtani’s potential for the GOAT title is by comparing his career statistics with those of Babe Ruth, who is widely regarded as the quintessential GOAT of baseball:

As of July 4, 2023

NPB =Nippon Professional Baseball (Japan’s major league)

The Road Ahead

From the above comparison, it’s clear that Ohtani still has some ground to cover to match Ruth’s formidable achievements. However, considering his age and the trajectory of his career, he certainly has ample time to build on his record. Should Ohtani maintain his high-performance level over the next few years, he’ll undeniably remain a strong contender in the race for the GOAT status in baseball.

In conclusion, the debate surrounding Ohtani’s potential GOAT status is both intriguing and polarizing. What remains clear, though, is that Ohtani has transformed baseball with his unique two-way play and has a promising career ahead, which we all are excited to witness unfold.