Why Shohei Ohtani Should Stick to Hitting: Preserving a Historic Career

By Oliver Wiener May 28, 2025 16:55

Shohei Ohtani is baseball’s most electrifying talent, a two-way superstar who defies conventional limits. But as he navigates his latest comeback from elbow surgery, the question looms: Should Ohtani prioritize hitting to protect his longevity and maximize his impact? Here’s why the answer is yes.

The Toll of Pitching on Ohtani’s Body

Ohtani’s injury history is a cautionary tale. Since his MLB debut in 2018, he has undergone two major elbow surgeries, including a 2023 UCL repair that sidelined him as a pitcher until 2025. His latest rehab has been a slow grind: He didn’t throw breaking balls in bullpen sessions until May 2025, and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts admitted a full pitching return likely won’t happen until after the 2025 All-Star break.

Career pitching stats: 3.01 ERA, 608 strikeouts, 1.08 WHIP in 86 starts (MLB.com).
Injury timeline:

2018: Tommy John surgery (missed most of 2019 as a pitcher).
2023: UCL repair and shoulder surgery after a stolen-base injury.
2025: Still rebuilding arm strength, limited to fastballs in bullpens (CBS Sports).

“I don’t think it’s possible to pitch 10 or 15 years without surgery in this environment,” Ohtani said in March 2025 (Marca). His acknowledgment of the physical toll underscores the risk of continuing as a two-way player.

Ohtani’s Hitting Dominance Is Unmatched

While his pitching future is uncertain, Ohtani’s bat remains elite. In 2025, he’s hitting .296 with 20 home runs, 35 RBI, and a 1.053 OPS through May 28—placing him among MLB’s top three in OPS (ESPN). His career .951 OPS and 245 home runs dwarf his pitching accolades, and his 2024 season (50 HR, 50 SB) proved he’s a once-in-a-generation offensive force.

2025 Highlights:

Leads MLB in home runs (20) and ranks third in OPS (1.053).
Recorded a 21-game hitting streak in April.
Ranks in the 99th percentile in barrel rate and hard-hit percentage (Baseball Savant).

“He’s the best hitter in baseball right now,” said an AL scout. “Why risk losing that for a few innings on the mound?”

The Barry Bonds Argument: Focus on Legacy

Hall of Famer Barry Bonds has been vocal about Ohtani’s path: “I think he needs to stay at DH and do what he does best. Why change something that’s going great?” Bonds, who knows a thing or two about longevity (762 career HRs), added, “Come in as a reliever if you want, but prioritize hitting” (Times of India).

The data backs Bonds’ stance:

Ohtani’s 10-year, $700M contract with the Dodgers is heavily weighted toward his offensive value.
In 2024, his WAR as a hitter (8.2) nearly doubled his combined pitching WAR (4.1) from 2021–2023.
Pitchers face a 25–35% chance of elbow surgery; hitters have far lower injury risks (FanGraphs).

Even Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior conceded, “A lot of [his return] depends on how he’s feeling” (Yahoo Sports). Relying on “feel” is a precarious strategy for a $70M-a-year asset.

The Dodgers’ Dilemma: Risk vs. Reward

Los Angeles signed Ohtani to win championships, but his dual role complicates their calculus. While the team plans to reintegrate him as a starter, insiders admit the timeline is murky:

Ohtani hasn’t faced live hitters with his full arsenal since 2023.
His fastball velocity in bullpens (94–96 mph) remains below pre-surgery levels (102 mph in 2023).
Throwing breaking pitches—critical for MLB success—still strains his rehabbing elbow (CBS Sports).

“It’s such a unique situation. There’s no blueprint,” Roberts said (NBC LA). The Dodgers’ cautious approach reflects awareness that another pitching injury could jeopardize their investment.

The Bigger Picture: A Career for the Ages

Ohtani’s greatest legacy may lie in his bat, not his arm. Consider:

He’s on pace to surpass 700 home runs if he plays 15 seasons as a full-time hitter.
Only four players in MLB history have a higher career OPS+ than Ohtani’s 157: Ruth, Williams, Gehrig, and Bonds.
At 30, he’s in his prime—but pitchers’ peaks typically end earlier than hitters’.

“I want to make [my career] as ‘thick’ as possible. If that means I can’t pitch for 10 years, so be it,” Ohtani said (Marca). But “thick” shouldn’t mean shortened.

The Verdict

Shohei Ohtani’s two-way brilliance has redefined baseball, but continuing to pitch risks cutting his career short. With historic hitting numbers and mounting injury concerns, focusing on DH duties offers the safest path to longevity—and a chance to cement himself as the greatest hitter of his generation. As Bonds wisely noted, sometimes less is more. For Ohtani, swinging the bat might be the ultimate win.