Shohei Ohtani's success highlights challenges for two-way MLB players
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 17, 2026, 12:13 PM
Last updated Sep 17, 2026

Shohei Ohtani's unprecedented achievements in MLB have underscored the difficulties faced by potential two-way players. Despite expectations that Ohtani would inspire a wave of two-way athletes, the realities of competing at such high levels in both pitching and hitting remain daunting. As conversations around Ohtani's unique skill set continue, questions linger about the future of two-way talent in baseball. The narrative surrounding this topic develops as more players aim to emulate Ohtani's success while encountering significant obstacles.
- •Ohtani was seen as a potential trailblazer for two-way players.
- •His record illustrates the challenges of succeeding in both pitching and hitting.
- •Discussions on the future of two-way talent in MLB are ongoing.
- •Expectations for more two-way stars continue to rise amidst these challenges.
- 12:36 PMESPN — The next Shohei Ohtani? Not so fast! Why we haven't seen more two-way stars in MLB
"Ohtani was supposed to be a trailblazer. Instead, his unprecedented success has reinforced just how difficult what he's doing really is.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
MLB•Sep 17, 2026, 1:03 PMTim Anderson: A South Side Sox tribute- MLB•Sep 17, 2026, 1:01 PMMets' billion dollar trio allows 'double' after ball drops between all three players
BaseballMLB•Sep 17, 2026, 1:01 PMBigfork, Polson grab volleyball wins Tuesday
MLB•Sep 17, 2026, 1:00 PMShohei Ohtani Could Make Dodgers Return Directly in Postseason
MLB•Sep 17, 2026, 1:00 PMDo you think Cristopher Sánchez will rebound in time?
MLB•Sep 17, 2026, 12:30 PMBrewers announce Brandon Woodruff injury update ahead of MLB playoffs