The all-time home-run leader in MLB history, Barry Bonds, thinks the reigning National League Most Valuable Player and Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani should stay primarily as a designated hitter. In an interview with Foul Territory TV, the seven-time NL MVP said, “Why change something that’s going great?.” Bonds added that being a two-way player “will tire him out.” The 14-time All-Star further suggested that Ohtani could come in as a reliever for “an inning or two.”
Barry Bonds says Shohei Ohtani should primarily remain as a designated hitter.
“Why change something that’s going great?” pic.twitter.com/Rr5iuebM2a
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) January 28, 2025
Barry Bonds: Ohtani Should Remain as DH for Foreseeable Future
The Unicorn
Last season, Shohei Ohtani achieved the first 50-homer, 50-steal season in the history of baseball. It remains to be seen whether or not such a milestone will ever be replicated. Admittedly, he was able to accomplish this feat because he was recovering from elbow surgery. However, when he is healthy, Ohtani does have an overpowering fastball and a filthy slider, and he is not done utilizing them.
Pitch Limit in 2025
Ohtani, a three-time league MVP himself, has resumed his throwing program in the offseason, a program that was halted during the Dodgers’ World Series run last year. If all goes well, Ohtani’s first appearance on the mound since 2023 will be sometime in May. Los Angeles has also made clear that their superstar will be on an innings limit for the upcoming season.
Does Bonds Have a Point?
It stands to reason that Ohtani’s offensive numbers may not be as record-breaking as last year. His stolen bases should be considerably down because of his time spent on the mound. In addition, Ohtani is coming off surgery to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder that was sustained while attempting a stolen base, so the stolen bases may be limited anyway.
With the stacked lineup the Dodgers are projected to field, a slight downturn in Ohtani’s steals and other offensive stats may only matter if Los Angeles fails to win consistently. So, it appears the two-way superstar will pitch…at least for now.
Photo Credit: © Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
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