Dave Roberts Praises Shohei Ohtani: “He is Possibly the Best Player in History”

Shohei Ohtani has become one of the most talked-about athletes in the world, and for good reason. His remarkable talents on the baseball field, both as a hitter and a pitcher, have broken barriers, sparked debates, and elevated the expectations of what a player can achieve in the game of baseball. Recently, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts made an eye-catching statement that only further cemented Ohtani’s legendary status. Roberts, a man well-versed in baseball’s complexities, stated that Ohtani might be “possibly the best player in history.” In this article, we explore why such high praise for Ohtani is not only warranted but also why he has the potential to forever alter the way we view the sport.

A Brief Overview of Shohei Ohtani’s Unprecedented Career

Before delving into the reasons why Dave Roberts made this statement, it’s essential to understand why Shohei Ohtani is considered one of the most extraordinary talents to ever play the game.

Shohei Ohtani, often referred to as “The Japanese Babe Ruth,” has redefined what is possible in Major League Baseball (MLB). Born in 1994 in Oshu, Japan, Ohtani has had an international career that has captivated fans from the moment he entered the MLB in 2018. His dual-threat ability as both a pitcher and a hitter is something we rarely see in modern baseball, which typically divides these roles to specialize in either one or the other.

As a hitter, Ohtani has demonstrated incredible power. He’s hit home runs at a prolific rate, with his bat often being one of the most feared in the lineup. At the same time, as a pitcher, he has shown exceptional control, velocity, and a deep pitching arsenal, including a devastating splitter. This combination of attributes is something few players have ever even attempted, let alone succeeded at.

The Historic Significance of Ohtani’s Impact

To understand why Dave Roberts believes Ohtani may be the best player in baseball history, it is necessary to look at the context of his achievements. Shohei Ohtani’s impact on the game is unparalleled, not just in terms of raw numbers but in the way he has revolutionized baseball. His unique skill set reminds fans of the days when players like Babe Ruth were able to both pitch and hit at a high level, but Ohtani has taken that to an even higher level.

In 2021, Ohtani achieved a feat that many thought would be impossible in the modern era: He became an All-Star as both a pitcher and a hitter in the same season. This accomplishment alone raised eyebrows around the league, but it was not a one-off event. Ohtani has continued to dominate in both areas since his debut, consistently putting up numbers that would make even the most seasoned veterans sit up and take notice.

As a pitcher, Ohtani’s ability to reach 100 mph with his fastball and use his splitter and slider to devastating effect has made him one of the most dominant pitchers in the game. He has struck out hitters at a remarkable rate, often drawing comparisons to some of the most feared pitchers in MLB history. Meanwhile, his hitting prowess is equally impressive. Ohtani’s bat speed, power, and ability to hit for average have made him one of the most dangerous hitters in the league. Few players, past or present, have ever excelled at both pitching and hitting simultaneously, making his career an anomaly.

Dave Roberts’ Endorsement and Its Significance

Dave Roberts, who has managed the Los Angeles Dodgers since 2016, is no stranger to elite talent. His Dodgers have consistently been a playoff contender and have won several division titles. Having managed some of the best players in the league, including Mookie Betts and Clayton Kershaw, Roberts knows exactly what it takes to be great in the game of baseball. For Roberts to describe Ohtani as “possibly the best player in history” is a powerful statement that highlights just how rare and special Ohtani’s career is.

Roberts’ praise is not just based on the statistical achievements Ohtani has already amassed; it also stems from the sheer impossibility of his skill set. In baseball, players are typically forced to choose between focusing on pitching or hitting because of the intense demands each role requires. However, Ohtani has managed to excel at both simultaneously without significant drop-offs in either area. This level of versatility is almost unheard of in the sport, which is why Roberts’ comments resonate so deeply.

While it is still too early in Ohtani’s career to definitively state that he is the best player in baseball history, the trajectory he is on is undeniably historic. His ability to dominate on both sides of the ball has redefined expectations for what a baseball player can accomplish, and his career could continue to evolve in ways that further solidify his legacy.

Ohtani’s Ability to Break Records

In addition to his incredible versatility, Ohtani is on track to break numerous records throughout his career. While it’s impossible to predict with certainty which records he will eventually hold, his already established achievements suggest that he could rewrite the record books in a way few players ever will.

As of 2025, Ohtani has already posted 140+ career home runs and has been a consistent 30-home run hitter. On the pitching side, he has logged 700+ strikeouts and maintains an ERA well below 3.00, solidifying himself as both a potent offensive weapon and a reliable ace on the mound. If Ohtani continues on his current pace, he could finish his career as one of the all-time greats in both categories. This would put him in the conversation with legends like Babe Ruth, who, while more renowned for his hitting, also had significant pitching success early in his career.

However, it is Ohtani’s longevity that could ultimately allow him to reach unprecedented levels of achievement. Given his age and current trajectory, if Ohtani continues to play at a high level for another decade or more, he could break records that we’ve long assumed to be untouchable. This makes the possibility of him being remembered as the greatest player in history all the more plausible.

The Mental and Physical Demands of Being a Two-Way Player

What makes Ohtani’s accomplishments even more extraordinary is the mental and physical demands that come with being a two-way player. The toll on a player’s body from pitching alone is well-documented, and trying to also excel as a hitter adds another layer of difficulty. Most major leaguers find it difficult to maintain peak performance even while focusing on a single aspect of the game, so Ohtani’s ability to thrive in both disciplines is remarkable.

As a pitcher, Ohtani’s body must recover from starts every five days, and he has to maintain his arm strength and velocity to compete against some of the best hitters in the world. As a hitter, he must stay in shape, adjust to pitchers’ tendencies, and continue to produce at the plate. The combination of these two responsibilities requires not only physical resilience but also incredible mental fortitude. Ohtani’s ability to maintain focus and balance on both sides of the game sets him apart from other athletes, and it’s a testament to his unmatched work ethic and determination.

The Cultural Impact of Ohtani’s Success

Shohei Ohtani’s influence extends beyond the field, reaching cultural and global significance. As one of the first players from Japan to truly succeed as a dual-threat in MLB, Ohtani has brought a wave of interest in baseball to Japan and has given young players worldwide a new model of what’s possible. Ohtani’s success has drawn international attention to the sport, further cementing his place as a global ambassador for baseball. His presence in MLB has reignited a sense of wonder about what athletes can achieve in the game, much as Babe Ruth did in the 1920s.

By demonstrating that a player can succeed at the highest level in both pitching and hitting, Ohtani has inspired a new generation of players to push the boundaries of their athleticism. His influence is felt not only in Japan but also in the United States, where fans have embraced his remarkable achievements. Ohtani’s rise represents a shift in the way baseball is viewed, and it is no exaggeration to say that he is one of the most impactful players in the sport’s history.

 The Road to Becoming the Best in History

Dave Roberts’ statement that Shohei Ohtani is “possibly the best player in history” is a reflection of how extraordinary Ohtani’s career has been up to this point. It is not simply about the numbers Ohtani has posted; it’s about the manner in which he has revolutionized the game. Ohtani’s unparalleled combination of pitching and hitting, his ability to break records, and his profound cultural impact have made him one of the most unique and awe-inspiring athletes in sports history.

While we may not yet be able to definitively say that Ohtani is the best player in baseball history, it is clear that his career will be remembered as one of the greatest ever. Shohei Ohtani has already earned his place among the legends, and as he continues to break new ground, his legacy will only grow. Whether or not he is ultimately crowned the best player in history is yet to be determined, but one thing is certain: Shohei Ohtani will be remembered as one of the greatest and most transformative players to ever step onto the baseball diamond.