The Los Angeles Angels are preparing to enter the 2021 season with Shohei Ohtani as a two way player once again.
When Shohei Ohtani was signed by the Los Angeles Angels in 2018, he was expected to fundamentally change baseball. He was a true two way player, a power hitting outfielder/designated hitter and a dominant starting pitcher in Japan. He was called the Japanese Babe Ruth, lofty praise indeed.
Ohtani showed flashes of being that player. He was excellent in his 51.2 innings on the mound, but had his pitching debut cut short due to Tommy John surgery. Ohtani returned as a pitcher in 2020, but made just two appearances before injuries once again ended his time on the mound. He continued to perform well at the plate before his struggles last year, establishing himself as an intriguing power/speed option in the Angels lineup.
But as the Angels look ahead to the 2021 season, they still do not quite know what they have in Ohtani. However, they are still going to give him a chance to prove that he can be a two way player at the major league level, as his status will not change for the upcoming season.
If healthy, Ohtani has the potential to be an ace for the Angels. He showed that capability in his rookie year, posting a 3.31 ERA and a 1.161 WHiP, striking out 63 batters with 22 walks. His high octane fastball and excellent slider make him an intriguing pitcher, but he needs to find that durability.
Likewise, Ohtani was an excellent hitter in his first two seasons. Despite needing Tommy John surgery, and his subsequent rehab, he posted a .286/.351/.532 batting line in 729 plate appearances, hitting 40 homers and 41 doubles while stealing 22 bases. Although his production cratered last season, he still has the potential to be a 20/20 player as a full time designated hitter or outfielder.
But that combination is what makes Ohtani special. Even now, as he enters his fourth major league season, he has the potential to change the game. He has displayed flashes of that ability, but has not put it all together for a full, healthy season.
However, the Los Angeles Angels are hoping that this is the year that changes. Shohei Ohtani is remaining a two way player as he heads into the 2021 campaign.