Dodgers News: MLB Executive Sees Shohei Ohtani Moving To The Outfield At Some Point
Since joining the big leagues, two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani has dazzled fans with his skill set, becoming the most popular player in the game today. His ability to both hit and pitch at a high level has made people question what they thought was possible, and it has been great to see.
But after another torn UCL, some wonder how much longer Ohtani can continue to do both. One MLB executive told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic that he believes Ohtani could end up moving to the outfield at some point in his career. It may not happen right away, but it's a possibility.
“I would argue if he’s not pitching, he’s at least going to play the outfield, maybe center field,” one executive said. “At least at this stage of his career, he can really run. And you would think he could throw well enough.”
It remains to be seen how effective Ohtani will be pitching after his second intense procedure. But he wants to continue performing in his two-way abilities.
However, at some point, he may not be able to do it any longer, or he may get tired of having to deal with rehabbing to pitch. This is when he may take some time to play the outfield, and he does have experience already doing so.
“Even if Ohtani never pitches again, he could be more than simply a DH. He played 64 games in the outfield in 2013 and ‘14, his first two seasons in Japan. He also has made seven major-league appearances in the outfield, all as a late-inning reserve in 2021 so the Angels could keep his bat in the lineup after he left the game as a pitcher.”
Having this flexibility and versatility could help prolong the career of Ohtani, and give whatever team that signs him more options to work with. It's not ideal, but his health is most important to keep him on the field.
Everyone wants him to keep up the two-way skills, but it may not be realistic down the line. This is certainly something to keep an eye on, although Ohtani has remained clear about his desire to pitch.
