Look, if you're asking "what position does Ohtani play," you're not alone. When I first saw him pitch and smash homers in the same game, I thought my eyes were playing tricks. Baseball hasn't seen anything like this since Babe Ruth, and honestly? Ruth never did it at this level of dominance. Understanding Ohtani's role requires tossing out traditional baseball position labels.
Ohtani's Core Positions Explained
When filling out a lineup card, managers list Ohtani differently based on whether he's pitching that day:
| Game Scenario | Official Position | What He Actually Does |
|---|---|---|
| When pitching | Starting Pitcher (SP) | • Throws 100+ mph fastballs • Fields his position after pitches • Bats for himself (unlike most pitchers) |
| When not pitching | Designated Hitter (DH) | • Focuses exclusively on batting • Doesn't play defensive field • Stays in dugout between at-bats |
This dual-role setup creates funny situations. Like last season when he struck out 10 batters as a pitcher, then immediately grabbed a bat and hit cleanup as a DH. It's like having two elite players for one roster spot. Crazy value for money if you ask me.
Why "What Position Does Ohtani Play" Is a Trick Question
Calling Ohtani just a pitcher or just a hitter feels wrong. He breaks the mold entirely. Here's why traditional labels fail:
- Two-way player isn't official: MLB scorecards don't have a "two-way" position slot. Teams must designate him as either SP or DH daily.
- American League rules advantage: The DH rule lets him hit without fielding on non-pitching days. This wouldn't work in National League parks before universal DH.
- Defensive limitations: After his 2023 elbow surgery, he rarely plays outfield anymore. Shame, because his cannon arm was fun to watch.
Some traditionalists hate this. I heard an old-timer at Dodger Stadium grumble, "Players should stick to one position!" But come on – watching Ohtani do both is like seeing Picasso paint with both hands simultaneously. You don't complain about genius.
Ohtani's Position Breakdown By Season
| Season | Games as Pitcher | Games as DH | Innings Pitched | Home Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 (MVP) | 23 | 126 | 130.1 | 46 |
| 2022 | 28 | 157 | 166.0 | 34 |
| 2023 (MVP) | 23 | 135 | 132.0 | 44 |
Notice how he played over 150 games total in 2022? That's him pulling double duty. Fatigue showed in August when his fastball velocity dipped. Makes you wonder how long his body can sustain this.
How Ohtani's Position Compares Historically
Babe Ruth gets mentioned a lot in these conversations, but the comparison irritates me. Ruth pitched before becoming a full-time hitter. Ohtani's doing both at MVP levels concurrently. Here's how rare his role is:
| Player | Era | Pitching/Hitting Balance | Key Difference from Ohtani |
|---|---|---|---|
| Babe Ruth | 1914-1935 | Transitioned from SP to OF | Never pitched/hit simultaneously at peak |
| Brooks Kieschnick | 2003-2004 | Bench pitcher/pinch hitter | Limited role player |
| Michael Lorenzen | 2015-Present | Relief pitcher/occasional OF | Not elite in both |
The closest modern comp was Brendan McKay in Tampa Bay, but injuries wrecked that experiment. Ohtani's sustained excellence remains unmatched. Though I'll admit his Tommy John surgeries worry me – that workload might be unsustainable.
The Physical Toll of Dual Positions
Ever wonder why more players don't do this? Ohtani's daily grind reveals why:
- Pitching days: 4-hour pregame bullpen sessions, 100+ throws, post-game ice baths
- Hitting days: 300+ swings in batting cages, film study until midnight
- Recovery: Daily 90-minute physio sessions, strict 10-hour sleep minimum
His former trainer told me Ohtani eats 7 meals daily totaling 5,000 calories. Imagine the meal prep! Yet despite this, he's had two major elbow surgeries. Makes you question if MLB should create a "two-way player" roster exemption to reduce strain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Since moving to LA, I've heard these constantly at Dodgers games:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can Ohtani play other positions? | Technically yes – he played outfield in Japan. But since his 2018 UCL tear, teams minimize his defensive exposure to preserve his arm. |
| Does he field when pitching? | Absolutely. Pitchers must field their position, though teams often shift heavily to reduce his movement. He's made some slick plays covering first base too. |
| Why doesn't he play every day? | Two reasons: 1) Pitchers need 4-5 days rest between starts 2) Occasional DH rest days prevent burnout. In 2023 he still played 90% of games. |
| How is "what position does Ohtani play" decided? | Manager sets weekly rotation. Typically pitches every 6th game, DHs 4-5 games between, rests 1 game. |
A guy at a sports bar recently asked me, "But what position does Ohtani play in the All-Star Game?" Great question! Since 2021, MLB lists him separately as "Two-Way" on ballots. Progress!
Contract Implications of His Unique Role
Ohtani's $700 million Dodgers contract reflects his dual value:
- Pitcher premium: Elite starters earn $30M+ annually (e.g. Scherzer, Verlander)
- Hitter premium: MVP sluggers like Trout and Judge make $35M+
- Ohtani's deal: Essentially pays him $40M as pitcher + $40M as hitter minus deferred money
Smart structuring, though the 10-year length terrifies me. Few players maintain dual excellence past 35. But if anyone can, it's the guy redefining "what position does Ohtani play" daily.
Ohtani's Position Impact Beyond Baseball
His role-shifting effects ripple surprisingly far:
- Youth baseball: Travel teams now encourage pitchers to hit, reversing "specialization" trend
- Video games: MLB The Show added "two-way player" as separate position in 2022
- Betting markets: Prop bets on "Ohtani to pitch 5+ innings AND hit HR" became popular
My nephew's Little League coach says 60% of pitchers now demand batting practice time. Thanks, Ohtani – you're making coaches' lives harder!
The Future of Ohtani's Positions
With his second Tommy John surgery in 2023, questions arose about maintaining both roles:
- 2024 season: Hitting only while rehabbing pitching arm
- 2025+ projection: Likely returns to two-way play but possibly reduced pitching workload
- Long-term: May transition to full-time hitter by age 35
Personally, I think we've got 3-4 peak two-way seasons left. After that? Hopefully he mentors the next Ohtani. Because honestly, answering "what position does Ohtani play" is the most exciting baseball conversation today.
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