In recent times, few debates in baseball have sparked as much passion and division as the conversation around Shohei Ohtani’s place in MLB history. While the baseball world once wrestled with the Aaron Judge vs. Shohei Ohtani MVP face-off, the conversation has since evolved and intensified. Today, the pressing question isn’t just about awards or accolades, but something far more monumental. Is Shohei Ohtani the most underrated superstar of all time?
Well, there’s no denying Ohtani’s two-way brilliance has redefined the game. From towering home runs to dominant pitching performances, his unprecedented versatility has left fans, analysts, and former players in awe. Yet, despite the widespread admiration, skepticism remains. Legendary figures like Derek Jeter have cautioned against premature coronation. He insisted that the GOAT title must be earned over time and through longevity.
Amid this ongoing tug-of-war between celebration and caution, a new post has gone viral. And it might just shift the narrative. Offering a fresh perspective that compares Ohtani to the all-time greats, this latest take is fueling renewed discussions. And guess what, it could help reframe how we evaluate the Japanese sensation’s legacy.
“Shohei Ohtani really might be the GOAT.” Betmgm shared a compact datasheet comparing Ohtani’s figures with some of the greats.
While Ohtani’s two-way talent is known to all, does that mean he’s surpassing the legends in both pitching and hitting? Well, in some ways, he already has.
Through 955 career games, Ohtani has hit 257 home runs, putting him ahead of none other than Babe Ruth, who had 240 in the same span. Considering Ruth is the gold standard for two-way players, that’s a huge milestone.
And when it comes to RBIs, Ohtani’s 627 puts him ahead of another all-time great: Ken Griffey Jr., who had 551 through the same number of games.
Now let’s talk pitching. In just 91 career starts, Ohtani has struck out 618 batters, more than Nolan Ryan had (607) at that point in his career. And compared to Clayton Kershaw, the newest member of the 3,000-strikeout club, Ohtani has the edge in ERA: 2.97 vs. Kershaw’s 3.16!
So, even though Ohtani might not match the career totals of the all-time greats just yet, when you look at the numbers based on age or games played, he’s already ahead of the curve.
“He’s done it all. The only challenge he has now is to do it again, because people are going to expect that from him,” acknowledged Jeter. But as per him, Ohtani needs to continue this streak to get named in the baseball book of records! Well, that seems also possible considering how Ohtani is going year-by-year.
There might be a better hitter or pitcher than Ohtani. But by the end of his career, Ohtani will be the benchmark when it comes to two-way playing, next to Ruth.
Ohtani’s greatness goes beyond the national boundary
Babe Ruth, Derek Jeter, Barry Bonds – all legends, achieving great feats on the diamond. But when it comes to global stardom, MLB always stays behind NBA and others like golf. While NBA got Michael Jordan, Golf got Tiger Woods, and MLB had a good number of national stars, but not someone recognizable across the globe.
And here comes Shohei Ohtani, the true-blue global baseball star.
Ohtani is more than a national icon; he’s an international sensation. He bridged the baseball cultures of Japan and the United States, bringing millions of new fans to MLB. His presence has boosted global viewership and sparked interest in places where baseball doesn’t typically dominate headlines.
Moreover, despite his superstar status, Ohtani carries himself with quiet humility. He isn’t flashy or controversial; he lets his game do the talking. And that calm, respectful attitude paired with his jaw-dropping performances makes him universally admired by fans, media, and sponsors alike. So, while his unflashy personality might be a reason for staying underrated, this actually made him the darling of the global fan bases.
Ohtani’s unforgettable performance in the 2023 World Baseball Classic and winning the title for Japan was an iconic sports moment. It transcended baseball and became a global story, showcasing his ability to deliver on the biggest stage. Afterwards, wherever he plays, stadiums fill up. Merchandise sales spike. His highlights trend across social platforms, and his fan base stretches across continents.
Even people who don’t follow baseball regularly are drawn in by Ohtani’s magic.
We might be witnessing one of the greatest stars of baseball currently. And the GOAT tag is just waiting to get with his name by the end of his career.
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