Home Baseball MLB Executive Predictions Shohei Ohtani Moves to CF: He’s One of the Game’s Best Athletes

MLB Executive Predictions Shohei Ohtani Moves to CF: He’s One of the Game’s Best Athletes

Baseball — 11/21/2023

Former Los Angeles Angels two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani might earn a record-breaking free-agent salary, though he may not pitch for a while.

According to an anonymous MLB executive, the two-time AL MVP might instead serve as a position player on defense until he is well enough to throw again.

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 02: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels reacts dropping his bat after popping out to shortstop against the Oakland Athletics in the top of the seventh inning at RingCentral Coliseum on September 02, 2023 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

“I would argue that if he’s not pitching, he’s at least going to play outfield, maybe center field,” the executive said, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. “At least at this stage of his career, he can really run.”

“He’s one of the game’s best athletes.” He should be able to play right field at the very least,” they subsequently added.

Ohtani will not be allowed to pitch until 2025 after undergoing elbow surgery at the end of last season. However, he is likely to be fit enough to play in the 2024 season.

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While the 29-year-old’s ability to be good both on the mound and in the batter’s box is what makes him such a sought-after free agent, he’s still one of baseball’s most effective hitters.

Ohtani has 124 home runs and 290 RBIs in the last three seasons while posting a.964 OPS. Since 2021, each of those marks has ranked among the top 15 of all batters.

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Teams hoping to sign Ohtani may deploy him on the field for the 2024 season if his elbow feels good enough to make the throws required by the position.

He did play some outfield in Japan and appeared in both left and right field for the Angels during the 2021 season, but he’s only played 8.1 innings in the field throughout his MLB career.