Shohei Ohtani, nicknamed “Shotime,” is a Japanese two-way baseball player, serving as a pitcher and designated hitter, currently with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Known for his elite skills in both hitting and pitching, Ohtani has drawn comparisons to Babe Ruth for his historic achievements.
Originally playing for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in Japan (2013-2017), he joined MLB with the Los Angeles Angels in 2018 and won the AL Rookie of the Year Award. His standout 2021 season earned him AL MVP and the Commissioner’s Historic Achievement Award.
In 2022, Ohtani became the first player in the modern era to qualify for both pitching and hitting leaderboards, and in 2023, he won his second AL MVP with 44 home runs and 10 wins as a pitcher.
He signed a record-breaking 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers. Although unable to pitch in 2024 due to an elbow injury, he set an MLB record with 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases as a designated hitter. Ohtani also represents Japan internationally, winning the 2023 World Baseball Classic MVP, where he secured Japan’s title by striking out Mike Trout in the final at-bat.
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