Shohei Ohtani can make bigger impact on Los Angeles Angels in 2022

Shohei Ohtani finally had the breakout season that the baseball universe had been waiting for. The Los Angeles Angels star proved that it was possible to be a two way player in the majors, emerging as the ace of the rotation and a key part of the lineup. It is difficult to imagine that he could get much better than he was in 2021.

Ohtani feels that he can do even more. When he was asked about being intentionally walked as often as he was, Ohtani said that getting the lineup healthy and improved patience on his part could lead to an even better year.

Shohei Ohtani could make bigger impact on Los Angeles Angels

As it was, Ohtani had an impressive season with the bat. He posted a 158 OPS+ in his 639 plate appearances, hitting 46 homers and 26 doubles while stealing 26 bases. Those numbers were even more impressive considering that he was intentionally walked an American League leading 20 times in 2021.

One can understand why teams would pitch around Ohtani. Aside from Jared Walsh, the rest of the lineup was mediocre at best. However, that should change in 2022 as Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon return to the lineup and are healthy once again.

Ohtani himself can make a bigger impact just with his adjustments. He is already aware that he needs to be more patient moving forward, whether or not those other bats are in the lineup. By being on base, and having the opportunity to use his speed, he can make a bigger impact upon the Angels’ fortunes.

Of course, no player, no matter how talented, can do it on their own. If that was possible, Trout would have more than his one playoff appearance in 2014. However, adding those missing pieces to the lineup, and another year of experience, should make Ohtani even better in 2022.

Shohei Ohtani feels that he can make a bigger impact upon the Los Angeles Angels going forward. As the lineup improves, he very well could.