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Generational players don’t come around very often. Watching Shohei should quickly prove why he’s one of the best talents and players ever. One way to appreciate the greatness of Shohei Ohtani is to check out his career stats. Here’s why he’s a true baseball unicorn with an unforeseen trajectory.
Shohei Ohtani Career Batting Stats
Ohtani is a home run threat whenever he steps up to the plate. His offensive talent is off the charts and could lead any team to a World Series ring. What would happen if you put him on the Jackie Robinson Dodgers of the 1950s? He’d hit every meatball out of the park. Regardless of the team, he’d find a way to excel.
Here are his career batting stats through his first seven seasons:
| Hits | 878 |
| Home runs | 225 |
| Runs | 562 |
| RBI | 567 |
| BB | 432 |
| Batting average | .282 |
| On-base percentage | .371 |
| Doubles | 167 |
| Triples | 36 |
| Strikeouts | 917 |
Shohei Ohtani Career Pitching Stats
His greatness extends beyond the batter’s box — he has an excellent pitching arm. Unfortunately, an elbow injury has taken him off the pitcher’s mound since late 2023. The expectation is that Ohtani will pitch later in the summer due to his Tommy John recovery. Dodgers coaches could use a speed radar to see if he can still chuck a fastball.
Here are Shohehi Ohtani’s pitching stats with five seasons under his belt:
| Wins above replacement (WAR) | 15.0 |
| Win-loss record | 38-19 |
| ERA | 3.01 |
| Games pitched | 86 |
| Innings pitched | 481.2 |
| Strikeouts | 608 |
| BB | 173 |
| Hits allowed | 348 |
| Home runs allowed | 53 |
| Runs allowed | 169 |
What Records Does He Hold?
When you’re a unicorn like Ohtani, you come across numerous accomplishments. Not even Tungstem Arm O’Doyle could hold his records due to Shotime’s blistering pace. Here are a few examples of Shohei Ohtani’s stats and records he’s already set:
- In 2024, Ohtani became the first player to have 50 home runs and stolen bases in the same season. By the end, he had 54 dingers and 59 robberies.
- How did he achieve this feat? In an 81-game span, Ohtani had 30 home runs and 30 steals — the first player to do it. He might not reach the century mark like Rickey Henderson did three times, but it’s still impressive.
- His 54 home runs in 2024 were the most in a season in Dodgers history.
- Ohtani’s slugging percentage of .646 in 2024 was the highest in Dodgers history.
- In 2023, he was the first American League player to hit 30 home runs and steal 10 bases in the first 81 games of a season.
- Ohtani is the first-ever player to win two MVP awards unanimously.
- In 2021, Ohtani pitched and batted in the MLB All-Star Game — a feat no player had accomplished before.
- In 2021, he became the first player to achieve 100 innings pitched, 100 strikeouts and 100 RBI, hits and runs.
Why Is Shohei Ohtani So Good?
Shotime is so good that fantasy sports leagues split him into two players. You can have either (or both) the batter and the pitcher on your team and dominate your opponents. So, how can Shohei Ohtani hit home runs and pitch a shutout on the same day? He possesses the skill set to be an elite player on both sides of the ball.
Physically, Ohtani has all the traits you want. He’s 6’3” and 210 lbs with a muscular frame, which gives him the power to hit home runs. He’s the 21st-century version of Babe Ruth, except Ohtani doesn’t smoke as much tobacco. On the pitcher’s mound, he has tremendous strength, velocity and control. Combining all three is a recipe for success in winning baseball games.
Ohtani, the Child Prodigy
While the physical traits are present, Ohtani has also capitalized on terrific training and experience. His baseball career started at a young age, as he learned the ins and outs from his father. Toru Ohtani played industrial baseball in Japan and imparted sports wisdom to his son. However, Shohei was a prodigy and didn’t need much guidance.
MLB team interest in Ohtani started in 2012 when he was just 18 years old. However, he stayed in Japan for five seasons to play in Nippon Professional Baseball. While in his home country, Shohei garnered five all-star selections, a Pacific League MVP and a series championship in 2016. By the time he got to America, he was ready to take on the world.
Shohei Ohtani’s Best Career Moments
Shohei Ohtani’s short career has already seen unforgettable moments and mindblowing, so how can you determine which ones are the best? Here are his top days in professional baseball.
1. His First Career Home Run (4/3/2018)
His career got off to a rough start in early 2018, but Shohei Ohtani gave us a preview with his first home run. The Angels’ second series of the season saw Shotime knock one out of the park in a dominant 13-2 win over the Guardians.
2. The 50-50 Game (9/19/2024)
Selecting Ohtani’s best game may be difficult, but his performance against the Marlins was incredible. The former NPB MVP became the first member of the 50-50 club after a perfect day at the plate. Ohtani went 6-6 with six hits, 10 RBI and three home runs. That’s just another shift in the office for him!
3. Accomplishing the Cycle (6/13/2019)
When you think of the greatest hitters, you likely picture guys like Ty Cobb or Willie Mays. However, these two players never hit the cycle — a single, double, triple and home run in the same game. Ohtani saved the Angels on this June day by connecting on all four at-bats and garnering three RBI.
4. Dominating the Doubleheader (7/27/2023)
The best individual day for Shohei Ohtani included home runs and a shutout. In late July, the Angels had a doubleheader against the Tigers, and he dominated both matches. The first game included a one-hit shutout victory despite Shotime not getting a hit. However, he made up for it in the second game with two home runs in another win.
5. Winning the World Baseball Classic (3/21/2023)
The U.S. wanted another World Baseball Classic title in 2023, but Ohtani had other plans. In the first-place game, Japan lead the U.S. 3-2 heading into the ninth inning. Who else but Shohei would close the game on the pitcher’s mound? In a storybook ending, he struck out Angels teammate Mike Trout and won the championship.
Appreciating Shohei Ohtani’s Stats and Baseball Greatness
When your grandkids ask about Shohei Ohtani, you’ll wish you had watched more of him. He’s one of the best baseball players ever, yet he has a long way to go in his career. After all, he signed a legendary contract with the Dodgers in the 2024 offseason. Regardless of your fandom, it’s time to appreciate the baseball greatness we have.
