If you were worried about Shohei Ohtani’s transition from the American to the National League, it’s safe to say he hasn’t had any issues with that.
He dominated for six years with the Los Angeles Angels, and is now dominating again with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
When there is a unique talent like him involved, a simple switch in uniform won’t stop him.
Ohtani, however, seems to be playing the best ball of his career.
He is seeing the ball very, very clearly, and there aren’t any issues with his swing, either.
The numbers, as always, prove that.
“The league leader in batting average, hits and OPS? Shohei Ohtani,” MLB tweeted.
The league leader in batting average, hits and OPS?
Shohei Ohtani. pic.twitter.com/0F0bjAlFzQ
— MLB (@MLB) May 10, 2024
Ohtani’s .355 batting average mark is slightly better than that of Cleveland Guardians leadoff hitter Steven Kwan, who is hitting .353.
Ohtani’s teammate Mookie Betts is third at .346.
When it comes to hits, Ohtani’s 54 are tops in the league, just ahead of Betts’ 53 and a couple of players with 50.
OPS combines on-base percentage with slugging percentage, so it’s a fine all-inclusive stat to assess offensive performance.
As you probably guessed, the Japanese star has a 1.103 mark, much better than the second-ranked player Marcell Ozuna and his 1.042 (among qualified hitters, of course).
Ohtani also has 14 doubles, a triple, and 11 home runs, not to mention his nine stolen bases, 32 runs scored, and 27 RBI.
At this point, he might be the favorite to win the NL MVP award without actually having to pitch a single inning: just by the sheer force of his hitting ability.
This is a really special player, but you probably knew that already.
The post Shohei Ohtani Paces MLB In Several Key Offensive Categories appeared first on The Cold Wire.