In a jaw-dropping statement that has set the baseball world abuzz, former Hall of Fame pitcher Greg Maddux declared on ESPN Radio’s Canty and Carlin on July 28, 2025, that Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani could be “number one in the world” if he focused solely on pitching. The comment, praising Ohtani’s rare two-way talent, reignited debates about the Japanese phenom’s unparalleled versatility. Almost immediately, Ohtani’s teammate Mookie Betts, a former MVP and eight-time All-Star, responded with seven powerful words: “He’s already the best, no question.” Betts’ succinct retort, shared via a post on X by @DodgersNation, underscores the awe Ohtani inspires, even among baseball’s elite, as he continues to redefine the sport.
Maddux, a four-time Cy Young Award winner and one of baseball’s greatest pitchers, made the remark while discussing Ohtani’s return to the mound in 2025 after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2023. Ohtani, who has pitched sparingly this season, threw 29 pitches over two innings against minor-league hitters on June 1, showing promising progress, according to USA Today. Maddux highlighted Ohtani’s 31.2% career strikeout rate, which rivals 2024’s major league leader Chris Sale, and his ability to throw 100 mph fastballs paired with devastating splitters. “He’s got the best stuff in the league,” Maddux said, comparing Ohtani’s pitching prowess to Nolan Ryan and his hitting to Barry Bonds. The Hall of Famer suggested that if Ohtani abandoned hitting to focus on pitching, he could dominate like no other, potentially surpassing modern aces like Paul Skenes or Tarik Skubal.
Ohtani’s 2025 season has been remarkable, even with limited pitching. As a designated hitter, he leads the majors with 38 home runs and a .276 batting average, per Baseball-Reference, while stealing 11 bases despite scaling back base-running to protect his arm post-surgery. His 2024 season, where he became the first player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases, earned him a third unanimous MVP award and cemented his status as a “mythical legend,” as Mets pitcher Marcus Stroman called him. Yet, Maddux’s comment raises a tantalizing question: could Ohtani, who posted a 3.14 ERA and 167 strikeouts in 2023 with the Angels, redefine pitching greatness if he prioritized it? His ability to strike out 10 batters in seven innings against the Astros in 2021, then play right field, remains a testament to his freakish talent, as noted by MLB.com.
Betts’ response, however, dismisses the need for Ohtani to choose. The Dodgers shortstop, who himself transitioned from outfield to infield with six Gold Gloves, has consistently praised Ohtani’s dual-threat dominance. On his podcast, Betts previously said, “There’s nothing you can say. Whatever Shohei says goes,” reflecting Ohtani’s influence in the Dodgers’ lineup, per The Athletic. Betts, batting .238 this season but excelling defensively, views Ohtani’s ability to hit 54 homers and steal 59 bases in 2024 as proof of his unmatched greatness. “He’s a big moment waiting to happen,” Betts told ESPN, echoing sentiments from teammates like Will Smith, who marveled at Ohtani’s work ethic and discipline at the plate.
The debate sparked by Maddux’s statement has divided fans. On X, @MLBFanatic wrote, “Ohtani as a pitcher-only would be unstoppable, but why limit him?” Meanwhile, @BaseballTruth argued, “He’s already the GOAT doing both.” Critics note that Ohtani’s pitching workload, limited by injuries, makes Maddux’s hypothetical scenario unlikely. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, per the Los Angeles Times, emphasized Ohtani’s focus on team success, noting his willingness to shift from leadoff to accommodate Betts. With the Dodgers’ pitching staff plagued by 14 injuries, Ohtani’s return to the mound by August could be pivotal, potentially alongside Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Walker Buehler, as USA Today speculated.
Villeneuve’s recent claim that the FIA unfairly penalizes Max Verstappen in Formula 1 draws parallels to this narrative, suggesting sports governing bodies sometimes target their biggest stars. Yet, Ohtani’s peers, from Alex Cora calling him a “freak” like Deion Sanders to Jared Walsh praising his bat speed, see no need for him to specialize. As the Dodgers eye another World Series run, Ohtani’s dual role remains his defining trait. Maddux’s praise and Betts’ unwavering support highlight a truth: whether pitching or hitting, Ohtani is already rewriting baseball history, one extraordinary performance at a time.
