Shohei Ohtani is redefining what it means to be a baseball superstar. As a dual-threat player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Ohtani is drawing comparisons to legends like Babe Ruth, and for good reason. His ability to dominate both on the mound and at the plate is something the sport hasn't seen in generations.
John Smoltz, a Hall of Famer himself, recently shared his admiration for Ohtani on the Subpar Podcast, suggesting that Ohtani's talents could even extend to mastering golf if he chose to pursue it. Smoltz emphasized Ohtani’s extraordinary potential as a pitcher, hinting that he could be one of the best ever. What stands out about Ohtani is his meticulous approach-he sets his goals and then methodically achieves them.
Ohtani’s contributions are pivotal to the Dodgers' status as perennial contenders. Last season, he posted impressive numbers: a .282 batting average with 55 home runs, 102 RBIs, and 146 runs scored, not to mention his 34 stolen bases.
"He would be the very best pitcher ever if all he did was pitch."
— Subpar (@golf_subpar) March 27, 2026
MLB Hall of Famer John Smoltz breaks down what makes Shohei Ohtani a freak of nature, and why he wouldn't bet against him mastering golf. pic.twitter.com/tX9MnX5kVu
On the mound, he maintained a 2.87 ERA over 14 starts, showcasing his versatility. His playoff performance was equally remarkable, hitting .265 with eight home runs and 14 RBIs over 17 games, while also contributing with a 4.43 ERA in four starts.
Leading the Dodgers to their second straight title, Ohtani was a nightmare for the Toronto Blue Jays' pitchers in the World Series. His resilience and adaptability, even after dealing with injuries, keep him at the top of the game. In the Dodgers' season opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Ohtani went 1 for 3, scoring a run, setting the tone for what could be another stellar season.
While Smoltz's golf prediction remains a playful nod to Ohtani's limitless potential, for now, his focus is clear: driving the Dodgers to continued success and leaving an indelible mark on baseball history.