Is there really any doubt that Shohei Ohtani might be the biggest global superstar in Major League Baseball right now? Considering the worldwide frenzy he’s sparked, that claim doesn’t feel like much of an exaggeration. But can his fame and impact truly be compared to the greats from other sports?

Reportedly, after the Dodgers wrapped up their sweep of the Brewers in the NLCS on Friday, everyone was still processing the history they’d just witnessed. Ohtani’s heroics were at his best. Even star shortstop Mookie Betts also couldn’t help but put things into perspective… He made a legendary comparison about his teammate that left fans completely split over just how great Ohtani really is.

“I said it multiple times, we’re like the Bulls and he’s Michael Jordan,” Betts said via MLB Network after the Dodgers secured their second World Series appearance in a row. However, it took no time for a sharp rebuttal to hit back. “I mean, if Michael Jordan went 2 for 19 from the floor every playoff game and randomly had 1 50-point game when the team was already up 3-0 in a series, sure,” WFAN host Shaun Marsh countered.

Ohtani was at his absolute best in Game 4, just when the Dodgers were already cruising with a 3–0 series lead. He smashed three home runs and struck out 10 batters, leading the Dodgers past the Brewers and into the World Series. And it was the kind of all-around dominance that makes you stop and say… This guy might be on another level.

Think about it — a three-homer, 10-strikeout night? That’s unheard of. But then comes the big question: Is Ohtani’s brilliance comparable to what Michael Jordan did for the Bulls? Well, Jordan, after all, led Chicago to six NBA titles and was Finals MVP every single time. That’s rarefied air.

Still, calling Ohtani one of the GOATs doesn’t feel like an exaggeration. His dominance over the past few seasons has been nothing short of historic. Yet not everyone’s on board. Some, like Morash, argue that while Ohtani’s Game 4 heroics were incredible, they came when the Dodgers were already in a comfortable spot. Now, that take has split fans right down the middle and sparked a fiery debate: Is Shohei Ohtani truly the greatest of all time?

Fans are divided over Shohei Ohtani’s greatness

One fan countered Morash, “We just witnessed greatness. Insane. Oh, you’re a jealous Giants guy. My condolences.” Yes, there’s no doubt that we have witnessed a historic performance by Ohtani. A two-way player putting in MVP-level performance from both ends is surely something unheard of in the MLB circuit. And yes, Ohtani offered a few clutch hits just when his team needed them the most.

For instance, back in 2024, in a game against the Nationals, the Angels were trailing 4-3 in the bottom of the 9th. Ohtani hit a two-run double to tie the game at 4-4. And that set the stage for the walk-off win. “He did that quite often, actually,” another fan. So yes, there’s no dearth of Ohtani’s clutch performances. Moreover, what Betts conveyed here is how Ohtani is leading the Dodgers, just as Jordan had done the same for the Bulls. “The point still stands that it’s the greatest performance in a single game ever. Not sure what you’re arguing here. Team sport,” one fan remarked.

Well, in terms of total wins and accolades, Jordan is still far ahead of Ohtani, and surely Jordan is the all-time great. However, what Ohtani is currently doing is distinctive in MLB. So, no, Ohtani is Jordan, but he is what Jordan was for the Bulls. But not everyone is for this view.

“Hahahaha, so more like LeBron than,” one user remarked. So, if not Jordan, then why not James? For the unversed, James is currently one of the top names from the NBA who attracts huge global fandom and brand endorsements, something that Ohtani is also doing. But again, if you compare in terms of lifetime achievement, then Jordan is far ahead. But here, Betts’ point was Ohtani’s influence on the team.

“Ohtani is the GOAT stat padder. Remember his “50/50” game last year? He was pummeling a hapless Marlins team long after he should have been benched.” Yes, there are a few games where Ohtani puts up a show, but not in the clutch moment. But can we imagine the Dodgers playing the World Series without Ohtani? No, that’s his influence. Someone who is starting rotation and again coming to hit homers is enough to make the team go despite bringing up his own numbers.

Hence, Ohtani is yet to achieve what Jordan has, but in the current MLB space, he is enjoying the craze that Jordan had during his prime.