Is two-way player Shohei Ohtani worth less money? There are strange views about making Ohtani a full-time position player

When the Los Angeles Dodgers gave Shohei Ohtani a $700 million deal, they knew they were getting an elite hitter and pitcher in one player. However, due to his elbow surgery, the two-way phenom was unable to step on the mound in 2024. However, that had a major impact on his swing, which shifted into another gear. This has led to speculation that he would give up pitching, but some of it was for strange reasons.

Although Ohtani has won two MVP awards as a two-way player, it has also led to injuries. With the star already having undergone two elbow surgeries, the long-term risk that comes with his return to pitching is no stranger to anyone. However, there is no denying Ohtani’s ability as a pitcher. But noted analyst Brian Kenny could not overlook the injury aspect when he called for Ohtani’s permanent switch to an outfielder.

“Ohtani, when he was a regular pitcher, threw 130 or 160 inningshis OPS plus was 157 and 144”, Said Kenny. “Now that he is a full-time hitter, he makes a 190, he has reached a new level!” He later explained that Ohtani “keeps breaking”, and therefore, when he is used as a pitcher, there is a risk that he will not be able to meet the expectations set out in his contract. “I see him staying healthier and I would protect my investment by essentially becoming a thug.”

Kenny then also gave a solution to increase Ohtani’s participation in the game. “Put him in the right field”, Kenny said. Although Kenny’s words were met with boos from other panelists, there was some logic behind it. It’s by no means a new idea, Ohtani’s value as a hitter has increased exponentially this season. The two-way phenom is basically a favorite for NL MVP despite being just a DH.

So it’s natural to wonder if he should be used as a pitcher in this situation. However, it’s important to understand the impact Ohtani’s pitching can have on the Dodgers.

Shohei Ohtani, the DH, versus Shotime, the two-way phenomenon

From 2021 to 2023, Ohtani threw over 130 innings each season. The star consistently maintained a sub-3.20 ERA and narrowly missed being a Cy Young finalist in 2022 (was 4th). More importantly, he had a pitching WAA of 2.9, 4.8, and 2.7 during those years. If you’re going to take Ohtani out of pitching, you’re going to have to make sure he replaces that performance elsewhere.

The two-way phenom’s WAR as a DH currently stands at 4.9 in 2024. That means if he maintains that form after 84 games for the rest of the season, there’s a chance he’ll flirt with 10 WAR. That would actually be higher than any number he hit as a two-way player. So, in a sense, Ohtani has replaced his pitching performance with his hitting performance, but is that enough? Are the Los Angeles Dodgers willing to sacrifice an ace-like Ohtani for the hitter Ohtani?

That’s a difficult question to answer, but since Ohtani is consistently taking pitching practice, you know he’s excited to get back to pitching soon. Risky or not, it’s too early to say goodbye to Shohei Ohtani’s presence on the mound.