When the Los Angeles Dodgers gave a $700 million deal to Shohei Ohtani, it was with an understanding that they were getting an elite hitter and pitcher in one player. However, due to his elbow surgery, the two-way phenom hasn’t been able to step on the mound in 2024. But that has had a mighty effect on his swinging, which has turned into another gear. That has led to speculations on him giving up pitching but some of them have come with strange reasons.

Though Ohtani has won 2 MVP awards playing as a two-way player, it has also led to injuries. With the star having already undergone two elbow surgeries, the long-term risk of him returning to pitching isn’t unknown to anyone. However, one can’t deny Ohtani’s prowess as a pitcher. But famous analyst Brian Kenny couldn’t overlook the injury part as he called for Ohtani’s permanent shift to becoming a position player.

“Ohtani when he was a regular pitcher when he was throwing 130 or 160 innings, his OPS plus was 157 and 144,” Kenny said. “Now that he’s a full-time hitter, he’s doing a 190, he’s gone to another level!” Later he explained that Ohtani “keeps breaking down,” and that’s why having him pitch might risk him not fulfilling the expectations set by his contract. “I see him staying healthier and I would protect my investment by having him become essentially a hitter.” 

Kenny then also gave a solution to increase Ohtani’s involvement in the game. “Put him in right field,” Kenny said. However, while Kenny’s words were met with jeers from other panelists, there was some logic to it. It isn’t a new idea by any stretch, Ohtani’s value as a hitter has increased exponentially this season. The two-way phenom is essentially an NL MVP favorite while just being a DH. So in this situation, it is natural that one will ask questions about shifting him from pitching.. However, it is important to understand just the level of impact that Ohtani’s pitching can have on the Dodgers.

Shohei Ohtani the DH vs Shotime the two-way phenom

From 2021 to 2023, Ohtani threw over 130 innings every season. The star consistently maintained an ERA of below 3.20 and closely missed becoming a Cy Young finalist in 2022 (was 4th). More importantly, he had a pitching WAA of 2.9, 4.8, and 2.7 in those years. If one wants to remove Ohtani from pitching, they’ll have to ensure that he replaces this production elsewhere. 

As of now, the two-way phenom’s WAR as a DH stands at 4.9 in 2024. That is after 84 games if he continues this form for the rest of the season, there’s a chance he flirts with 10 WAR. It would actually be higher than any number he has put up as a two-way player. So in a way, Ohtani has replaced that pitching production with his hitting but is it enough? Are the Los Angeles Dodgers ready to sacrifice having an ace like Ohtani for hitter Ohtani?

It’s difficult to answer that question. However, with Ohtani continuously doing throwing practice, one knows that he is excited about returning to pitching soon. So risky or not, it’s still too early to say goodbye to Shohei Ohtani’s mound presence.