What Will It Take For Shohei Ohtani Become The "GOAT"?

Is he already the greatest baseball player we've ever seen?

After recently winning his first World Series with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani is officially up there with the baseball greats. We all knew he was special during his time with the Los Angeles Angels, but after winning a championship during his first historic season with the Dodgers and having baseball’s first ever 50-50 season, he has risen into the pantheon of baseball’s finest.

A Recap of Ohtani’s Historic Season

One of the greatest seasons we’ve ever seen, Ohtani impressed us all in his debut season with the Dodgers. When he began the season we didn’t know if the 4 time All-Star would be able to pitch after having surgery that summer on his elbow. The two-way player was arguably a better pitcher than hitter so it was a huge loss for him and the Dodgers. However, with the additions of pitchers, Tyler Glasnow and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Los Angeles didn’t hurt as much as we thought they would from the injury. Ohtani was able to refine his hitting ability and distinguished himself, without a doubt, as the best player in the world.

Some records Ohtani has broken include:

• His 50-50 season (HR and SB) … he finished with 54 HR and 59 SB in total

• The All-Time Dodgers Season HR Record (54)

• Most stolen bases in a season by a Japanese born player

• 411 total bases (Most in Dodgers history)

• Most games with a HR and SB (16 total)

  Clearly an incredible season.

Let’s move on to the question we’ve all been waiting for… What Does Ohtani Need To Accomplish To Become the GOAT?

What Does Ohtani Need To Accomplish to Become the Best Ever?

He’s already accomplished many things, but to become the GOAT, you need a lot more.

Two days ago, Ohtani won the World Series. According to the New York Post, Shohei Ohtani is ready to win nine more. If he reaches 10 WS wins, that would be incredible, however, I think if he wins 3-5 more, he’ll undoubtably be recognized as the greatest Japanese baseball player in history, and the best player of all time.

It’s likely to happen anyway, he’s a Dodger for the next gazillion years it feels like, and with no salary cap rule in the sport, Los Angeles keeps on signing the best free agents in baseball.

They of course have a major advantage as the team plays in Los Angeles which has some of the best climate in the world. As an Angelino, I can say LA is a great place to live, which is one of the reasons there are so many impactful players always heading to the Dodgers.

Pair that with Dave Roberts, a top 3 manager, if you’re Shohei, you’ve got yourself a chance to make history every night and win much, much more.

If he keeps it up, the way his career is looking would lean towards him becoming the best. If Ohtani even stays a good pitcher, his chances are higher. Even hitting wise, if he has a 45-35 season every year, and is productive, he would be my “GBPOAT” (Greatest Baseball Player of All Time.) People are already discussing about him like he is the best baseball player to ever step on the field. There aren’t many other players than Ohtani with better stats, and to pair his history with his work ethic and toughness, you can’t get a better player. He dislocated his shoulder after landing awkwardly while trying to steal a base in Game 4, so after coming back and helping lead the Dodgers to a World Series championship, you can certainly compare him to the greats already. All he needs to officially become everyone’s GOAT is just 3-5 more WS wins, and at least 10 All-Stars.

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