The Los Angeles Dodgers have one of the most complete talents in the history of baseball — but if you thought Shohei Ohtani had peaked, John Smoltz just made the MLB world think again.
In an interview on The Dan Patrick Show, Hall of Famer and former great pitcher John Smoltz declared:
“If Ohtani pitched for a year straight and just focused on pitching, he would be the best pitcher in MLB, no question.”
Ohtani Returns to the Mound and Impresses Immediately
After being sidelined from pitching for the 2024 season and the first three months of 2025 due to a second UCL surgery, Ohtani returned on June 16 — and the results were truly iconic: pure innings, allowing just one run.
But according to Smoltz, that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
“He’s trying to do two normal things right now: be one of the best hitters and a top pitcher. If he just focused on pitching, I’m sure… Shohei would be number one, no one else.”
Pitching Records: A True Cy Young Reminiscence
Over six seasons as a pitcher, Ohtani has:
A 38‑19 record
A 2.97 ERA
618 strikeouts / 490.2 innings / 91 starts
Hit peaked in 2022, when he pitched 166 innings, posted a 2.33 ERA, and 219 strikeouts — and finished fourth in the AL Cy Young race.
Even after undergoing UCL surgery, which included Tommy John and a modern internal pad procedure, Ohtani still throws the speed and pace that coaches and opponents fear.
The Dodgers are currently using him as an opener, going 1–3 innings per game, but there’s still room for improvement to see him return to being a true starter before the 2025 season returns.
$700 Million Value and the Big Question
With a record-breaking $700 million contract through 2033, the Dodgers are running out of health — both as a designated hitter and a pitcher. But if the DH pressure is removed, as Smoltz suggests, LA could claim the new king of MLB.
A Promising Future — and a Big Decision Ahead
Ohtani hasn’t said the last word. With the ability to dominate both roles — something no one in the modern era has — the question isn’t “can he?” but “which path will he take?”
One thing’s for sure: If Shohei Ohtani does choose to go all-in on pitching, we could be witnessing the makings of an absolute Cy Young era — written by a superstar who was once not allowed to fit into any mold.