:Shohei Ohtani

Ohtani was born to Kayoko and Toru Ohtani in Mizusawa (now part of Ōshū), Iwate, Japan, on July 5, 1994. His mother Kayoko was a national-level badminton player in high school and his father {{Nihongo|Tōru|徹}} worked at a local automobile manufacturing plant and was an amateur baseball player who played in the Japanese Industrial League.{{cite news |url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20171211/p2a/00m/0sp/014000c |title=Father of baseball star Ohtani coached son with life tips in 'very ordinary' upbringing |newspaper=Mainichi Daily News |date=December 11, 2017 |access-date=October 7, 2021 |archive-date=October 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007234041/https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20171211/p2a/00m/0sp/014000c |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Hernández |first=Dylan |date=September 29, 2017 |title=Column: Japanese baseball star Shohei Ohtani could be double threat in big leagues |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-shohei-ohtani-20170930-htmlstory.html |access-date=October 7, 2021 |work=Los Angeles Times |archive-date=January 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118171508/https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-shohei-ohtani-20170930-htmlstory.html |url-status=live}}

Ohtani is the youngest of three children. He has one older sister, Yuka, and one older brother, {{Nihongo|Ryuta|龍太}}, who is also an amateur baseball player in the Japanese Industrial League. In Japan, Ohtani was known as a "{{transliteration|ja|yakyū shōnen}}" ({{lang|ja|野球少年}}; "baseball boy")—a kid who lives, eats and breathes baseball. Coached by his father, he displayed an aptitude for the game at an early age. He began playing baseball in his second year of elementary school, and as a seventh-grader, Ohtani recorded all but one of 18 outs in a six-inning regional championship game.

As a teenager, Ohtani could have played baseball for any powerhouse high school team in big cities such as Osaka or Yokohama. Instead, he opted to stay local, selecting Hanamaki Higashi High School in Iwate Prefecture, Northern Japan,{{Cite web |last=Hernandez |first=Dylan |date=September 29, 2017 |title=Japanese baseball star Shohei Ohtani could be double threat in big leagues |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-shohei-ohtani-20170930-htmlstory.html |access-date=October 10, 2017 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |archive-date=January 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118171508/https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-shohei-ohtani-20170930-htmlstory.html |url-status=live}} the same high school as pitcher Yusei Kikuchi, whom he admired;{{cite web |last=Hernández |first=Dylan |date=December 12, 2017 |title=Column: The next Shohei Ohtani is already waiting in the wings |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/la-sp-dodgers-yusei-kikuchi-20171212-story.html |access-date=October 7, 2021 |work=Los Angeles Times |archive-date=October 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007234041/https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/la-sp-dodgers-yusei-kikuchi-20171212-story.html |url-status=live}} Ohtani competed there as a swimmer{{cite magazine |last=Verducci |first=Tom |date=September 14, 2021 |title=The Ohtani Rules |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/2021/09/14/shohei-ohtani-daily-cover |access-date=October 5, 2021 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en |archive-date=October 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211005204515/https://www.si.com/mlb/2021/09/14/shohei-ohtani-daily-cover |url-status=live}} and played baseball. Ohtani's high school baseball coach, Hiroshi Sasaki, said that he was a fast swimmer who could have competed in the Olympics.{{cite web |last=Hernández |first=Dylan |date=April 27, 2021 |title=Column: Shohei Ohtani's Ruthian two-way journey began in Japan, accelerated under Joe Maddon |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/angels/story/2021-04-27/angels-shohei-ohtani-ruthian-two-way-journey-began-japan-joe-maddon |access-date=October 7, 2021 |work=Los Angeles Times |archive-date=October 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007234039/https://www.latimes.com/sports/angels/story/2021-04-27/angels-shohei-ohtani-ruthian-two-way-journey-began-japan-joe-maddon |url-status=live}}

Under Sasaki's guidance, Hanamaki Higashi's players lived on campus, returning home for only six days a year. Sasaki would assign toilet cleaning chores to Ohtani, to teach him humility. In 2012, Ohtani threw a {{convert|160|km/h|abbr=on|order=flip}} fastball as an 18-year-old high school pitcher, which at the time, had set a Japanese high school baseball record until it was surpassed by Rōki Sasaki's {{convert|163|km/h|abbr=on|order=flip}} fastball in 2018.{{cite web |last1=Adler |first1=David |title='It's as if he's throwing his soul': Get to know Japanese ace Roki Sasaki |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/who-is-roki-sasaki#:~:text=Sasaki's%20fastball%20first%20put%20him,at%20163%20kilometers%20per%20hour |publisher=Major League Baseball |date=March 19, 2023 |access-date=October 17, 2023 |archive-date=October 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231019023430/https://www.mlb.com/news/who-is-roki-sasaki#:~:text=Sasaki's%20fastball%20first%20put%20him,at%20163%20kilometers%20per%20hour. |url-status=live}} Ohtani threw the pitch in the Japanese national high school baseball championship tournament, commonly called Summer Koshien.{{cite web |last=Feinsand |first=Mark |date=October 22, 2012 |title=Yanks intrigued by Japanese teen phenom with 100 mph fastball |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/yanks-intrigued-japanese-teen-phenom-100-mph-fastball-article-1.1189826 |access-date=March 21, 2018 |work=Daily News |location=New York |archive-date=August 15, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170815080603/http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/yanks-intrigued-japanese-teen-phenom-100-mph-fastball-article-1.1189826 |url-status=live}} In the 2012 18U Baseball World Championship, Ohtani had an 0–1 win–loss record with 16 strikeouts, eight walks, five hits, five runs, and a 4.35 earned run average (ERA) in {{frac|10|1|3}} innings pitched.{{Cite web |last=Belson |first=Ken |date=October 24, 2012 |title=Hoping to Skip Japan League for U.S. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/25/sports/baseball/pitcher-shohei-otani-hopes-to-bypass-japan-for-the-majors.html |access-date=December 6, 2017 |newspaper=The New York Times |archive-date=December 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208082809/https://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/25/sports/baseball/pitcher-shohei-otani-hopes-to-bypass-japan-for-the-majors.html |url-status=live}}

Ohtani expressed a desire to move directly to the major leagues after high school and received interest from numerous teams including the Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers.{{cite web |last=Sullivan |first=T.R. |title=Rangers interested in Japanese righty Ohtani |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20121022&content_id=39974396&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb |access-date=March 21, 2018 |publisher=Major League Baseball |archive-date=February 1, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201213057/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20121022&content_id=39974396&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb |url-status=live}}
{{cite web |url=http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20121023&content_id=40003256¬ebook_id=40003260&vkey=notebook_bos&c_id=bos |title=Cherington confirms team has met with Ohtani |access-date=March 21, 2018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026060423/http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20121023&content_id=40003256¬ebook_id=40003260&vkey=notebook_bos&c_id=bos |archive-date=October 26, 2012}}
{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport |title=This page has been removed |access-date=March 21, 2018 |work=The Guardian |archive-date=December 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181224210657/https://www.theguardian.com/sport+ |url-status=live}} On October 21, 2012, he announced that he would pursue a career in Major League Baseball (MLB) rather than turn professional in Japan.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/8532919/shohei-otani-japanese-high-school-fireballer-opting-mlb |title=Japanese high school fireballer opting for MLB |date=October 21, 2012 |access-date=March 21, 2018 |archive-date=April 2, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160402230726/http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/8532919/shohei-otani-japanese-high-school-fireballer-opting-mlb |url-status=live}}
{{cite web |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/a-look-at-the-history-of-shohei-ohtani-c262589034 |title=Fans taken by Ohtani's set of skills, innocence |first=Doug |last=Miller |publisher=Major League Baseball |access-date=November 29, 2017 |archive-date=June 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618002849/https://www.mlb.com/news/a-look-at-the-history-of-shohei-ohtani/c-262589034 |url-status=live}} The Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters decided to draft him in the 2012 NPB Draft nevertheless, despite knowing that there was a high likelihood he would not play for them. After an exclusive negotiating window between him and the Fighters, Ohtani announced that he would sign with the Fighters and spend some years in Japan before a possible MLB move.{{cite web |url=https://www.insider.com/japanese-propaganda-helped-shohei-ohtani-make-baseball-history-2021-4 |title=A Japanese propaganda film helped Shohei Ohtani follow a path to making baseball history |website=Insider.com |access-date=April 27, 2021 |archive-date=October 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031000906/https://www.insider.com/japanese-propaganda-helped-shohei-ohtani-make-baseball-history-2021-4 |url-status=live}} Hokkaido said it would allow Ohtani to serve as a pitcher and position player; the Los Angeles Dodgers, who had become Ohtani's top-choice MLB team, were not prepared to let him play both ways.{{cite web |last1=Hernandez |first1=Dylan |title=Column: From Shohei Ohtani to Naomi Osaka, Japanese athletes dominate during golden era |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2021-07-12/shohei-ohtani-naomi-osaka-japan-has-begun-golden-age-of-sports |work=Los Angeles Times |date=July 12, 2021 |access-date=July 12, 2021 |archive-date=May 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525074826/https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2021-07-12/shohei-ohtani-naomi-osaka-japan-has-begun-golden-age-of-sports |url-status=live}} He was assigned the jersey number 11, previously worn by Yu Darvish.{{cite web |last=Lindbergh |first=Ben |date=July 12, 2021 |title=Inside Shohei Ohtani's Superhero Origin Story |url=https://www.theringer.com/mlb/2021/7/12/22573272/shohei-ohtani-first-two-way-season-nippon-ham-fighters |access-date=July 28, 2021 |work=The Ringer |archive-date=July 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728202659/https://www.theringer.com/mlb/2021/7/12/22573272/shohei-ohtani-first-two-way-season-nippon-ham-fighters |url-status=live}}

{{see also|2013 Nippon Professional Baseball season}}

File:Fighters ohtani bat.jpg

Ohtani made his debut at age 18 in the Fighters' season-opening game on March 29, 2013, playing as a right fielder.{{cite web |last1=Coskrey |first1=Jason |date=May 24, 2013 |title=Fighters rookie Otani makes solid impression in mound debut |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2013/05/24/baseball/fighters-rookie-otani-makes-solid-impression-in-mound-debut/ |work=The Japan Times |access-date=October 7, 2021 |archive-date=October 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007064634/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2013/05/24/baseball/fighters-rookie-otani-makes-solid-impression-in-mound-debut/ |url-status=live}} He was selected for a Pacific League roster spot for the 2013 All-star game. As a pitcher, he finished the season with a 3–0 record in 11 starts. As a rookie Ohtani was used in both the outfield (leading the Fighters with 51 games in right) and as a pitcher.{{cite web |last1=Miller |first1=Doug |title=Fans taken by Ohtani's set of skills, innocence |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/a-look-at-the-history-of-shohei-ohtani-c262589034 |publisher=Major League Baseball |date=November 29, 2017 |access-date=July 7, 2021 |archive-date=June 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618002849/https://www.mlb.com/news/a-look-at-the-history-of-shohei-ohtani/c-262589034 |url-status=live}} He was the second Nippon Pro Baseball (NPB) rookie drafted out of high school the previous year to be used as both a pitcher and position player, following Kikuo Tokunaga in 1951; Ohtani was the first to start in both roles. He was the first NPB pitcher since Takao Kajimoto in 1963 to bat 3rd, 4th, or 5th and the first rookie hurler to do so since Junzo Sekine in 1950. He was the second player, following Osamu Takechi (also 1950), to start a game as a pitcher, bat in the heart of the order (3rd through 5th), and get a hit and a run batted in (RBI) in that game. He missed time during the year with a right ankle sprain and right cheekbone fracture.

For the season, he was 3–0 with a 4.23 ERA, 33 walks, and 46 strikeouts in {{frac|61|2|3}} innings. and hit .238/.284/.376 in 204 plate appearances. He had seven outfield assists and one error. His 8 hit batsmen tied Manabu Mima, Tadashi Settsu, Hideaki Wakui and Ryoma Nogami for fifth in the Pacific League. Ohtani received 4 of the 233 votes for the Nippon Professional Baseball Rookie of the Year Award (Pacific League), tying Tatsuya Sato for a distant second behind Takahiro Norimoto.{{cite web |title=Ogawa, Norimoto win Rookie of the Year awards |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2013/11/25/baseball/ogawa-norimoto-win-rookie-of-the-year-awards/ |work=The Japan Times |date=November 25, 2013 |access-date=July 7, 2021 |archive-date=April 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413215009/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2013/11/25/baseball/ogawa-norimoto-win-rookie-of-the-year-awards/ |url-status=live}} During his five-year tenure with the Fighters, Ohtani opted to live in the team's provided dormitories, while his parents oversaw his finances.

{{see also|2014 Nippon Professional Baseball season}}

Throughout the entire season, Ohtani performed double-duty as a pitcher and outfielder, utilizing his strong throwing arm as well as his impressive batting skills. As a hitter, he batted .274, with 28 extra-base hits (including 10 home runs), 31 RBIs, and a .842 on-base plus slugging percentage in 234 plate appearances. As a pitcher, he was 11–4 with a 2.61 ERA in 24 starts and struck out 179 (third in NPB) in {{Fraction|155|1|3}} innings. His 10.4 strikeouts per nine innings led the league and opponents hit just .223 against him.

In a September 7 game against the Orix Buffaloes, he homered to straightaway center at Kyocera Dome to become the first Japanese player to reach double digits in both home runs and wins.{{Cite web |last=Coskrey |first=Jason |date=2014-09-08 |title=Otani may create unique challenge |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2014/09/08/baseball/japanese-baseball/otani-may-create-unique-challenge/ |access-date=2025-04-15 |website=The Japan Times |language=en}}{{cite news |date=September 7, 2014 |title=Ohtani hits HR to notch rare double |url=http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0001551783 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140917123501/http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0001551783 |archive-date=September 17, 2014 |access-date=September 17, 2014 |newspaper=The Japan News}} He tossed a 1–0 shutout against Orix on September 13 and became the first pitcher out of high school to record a 1–0 shutout victory within his first two years for the Fighters since Toshiaki Moriyasu in 1967. He also became the first pitcher out of high school to notch two shutout victories within his first two years in the NPB since Yu Darvish.{{cite web |url=http://www.sanspo.com/baseball/news/20140914/fig14091405030001-n1.html |title=default |publisher=Sanspo.com |date=September 14, 2014 |access-date=September 15, 2014 |archive-date=September 17, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140917003318/http://www.sanspo.com/baseball/news/20140914/fig14091405030001-n1.html |url-status=live}}

During the July 2014 All-Star Game, he threw a {{convert|162|km/h|abbr=on|order=flip}} fastball in the bottom of the first inning, setting a new record for the fastest official pitch thrown by a Japanese pitcher, beating the record set by the Yakult Swallows' Yoshinori Sato in 2010 ({{convert|161|km/h|abbr=on|order=flip}}).{{Cite web |last=Bertha |first=Mike |date=2014-11-10 |title=Shohei Ohtani (Japan's Steve Nebraska) and other players to look for during the Japan All-Star Series |url=https://www.mlb.com/cut4/shohei-ohtani-japans-steve-nebraska-and-other-players-to-look-for-during-the-japan-all-star-series/c-100813892 |access-date=2025-04-15 |website=MLB.com |language=en}} The jersey he wore during the game sold for 1.75 million yen (${{Val|{{Round|{{To USD|1752000|Japan|year=2014}}|-3}}|fmt=commas}}), making it the top seller at the All-Star 2014 charity auction. The proceeds were donated to three Tohoku earthquake children's relief funds.{{cite web |url=http://www.npb.or.jp/npb/20140908release.html |title=September 8 release |publisher=日本野球機構 (NPB.or.jp) |date=September 8, 2014 |access-date=September 17, 2014 |archive-date=September 22, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140922011230/http://www.npb.or.jp/npb/20140908release.html |url-status=live}}

On October 5 against the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles, Ohtani recorded the fastest pitch by a Japanese pitcher in an official game, tying Marc Kroon's allord for NPB pitchers. The pitch came against lead-off hitter Akaminai Ginji in the 1st inning. With the count 0–1, Ohtani threw a fastball that registered {{convert|162|km/h|abbr=on|order=flip}} on the stadium radar gun and shattered Ginji's bat in half. He also hit {{convert|162|km/h|abbr=on|disp=out}} twice against the second hitter, Aoi Enomoto. Of the 15 pitches he threw in the first inning, eight were in the 160s; 99s in MPH.{{cite news |url=http://www.sponichi.co.jp/baseball/news/2014/10/05/kiji/K20141005009051970.html |title=大谷、ついに出た１６２キロ！日本人最速！公式戦最速タイ |publisher=Sponichi Annex |date=October 5, 2014 |access-date=November 18, 2014 |archive-date=October 7, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141007082939/http://www.sponichi.co.jp/baseball/news/2014/10/05/kiji/K20141005009051970.html |url-status=live}}

During the postseason, Ohtani was chosen to become a member of the national team, dubbed Samurai Japan, and participated in the Suzuki All-Star Series,{{cite web |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2014/10/09/baseball/samurai-japan-unveils-remaining-players-mlb-series/ |title=Samurai Japan unveils remaining players for MLB series |work=The Japan Times |date=October 9, 2014 |access-date=October 9, 2014 |archive-date=November 29, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129055638/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2014/10/09/baseball/samurai-japan-unveils-remaining-players-mlb-series/ |url-status=live}} a five-game friendly competition with a squad of major leaguers. In Game 1, he pitched one shutout inning in relief, retiring three consecutive batters. He started Game 5 at the Sapporo Dome and, although his team ultimately lost (3–1), he wasn't charged with an earned run (he gave up two unearned), and of the 12 outs he recorded in four innings, he got seven via strikeout. He threw mostly fastballs, even clocked one at {{convert|160|km/h|abbr=on|order=flip}}, occasional curveballs, and a few forkballs in the mid-140s, including one he threw perfectly in the second inning to strike out Tampa Bay Rays star Ben Zobrist.{{Cite web |last=Cromwell |first=Carter |title=2014 Suzuki All-Star Series: Samurai Japan vs. MLB All-Stars – |url=https://sabr.org/journal/article/2014-suzuki-all-star-series-samurai-japan-vs-mlb-all-stars/ |access-date=2025-04-15 |website=Society for American Baseball Research}}{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znobfR14-5A |title=MLB@JPN: Japan's Ohtani dials it up vs. MLB All-Stars |date=2014-11-18 |last=MLB |access-date=2025-04-15 |via=YouTube}}{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWJHSNGgzOE |title=MLB@JPN: Ohtani fans the side for Japan in the 1st |date=2014-11-18 |last=MLB |access-date=2025-04-15 |via=YouTube}}{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfX9ShKLH2U |title=MLB@JPN: Ohtani fans Zobrist to end the inning |date=2014-11-18 |last=MLB |access-date=2025-04-15 |via=YouTube}}

In December, he became the second player out of high school in NPB history to reach 100M yen in salary in his third year, after Daisuke Matsuzaka in 2001. His new contract more than tripled his previous salary estimated at 30M yen.{{cite news |url=http://www.sponichi.co.jp/baseball/news/2014/12/05/kiji/K20141205009404580.html |title=大谷、年俸１億円！松坂以来史上２人目の高卒３年目"大台" |publisher=Sponichi Annex |date=December 5, 2014 |access-date=December 5, 2014 |archive-date=December 11, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141211090238/http://www.sponichi.co.jp/baseball/news/2014/12/05/kiji/K20141205009404580.html |url-status=live}}

{{see also|2015 Nippon Professional Baseball season}}

File:Shohei Ohtani (16735312258) (cropped).jpg

2015 marked Ohtani's third professional season (and second full season). Though his offensive production declined somewhat (five home runs), his performance on the mound was among the best in the league, earning him the starter role in the 2015 All-Star Game and the pitching spot in the end-of-year Pacific League Best Nine awards. Ohtani started the 2015 NPB All-Star Game 1 for the PL. He went two innings and struck out two, allowing one run (on a double by Yoshitomo Tsutsugo and a single by Jose Lopez), relieved by Nishi with a 1–0 deficit. The PL would lose 8–6 but he got a no-decision. He finished the season 15–5 with a 2.24 ERA, 196 strikeouts, and only 100 hits in {{frac|160|2|3}} innings. He led the PL in ERA (.14 over Nishi), tied Wakui for the most wins, and was second in strikeouts (19 behind Norimoto, though he threw 34 fewer innings). He rarely played the field but did see some action at DH, hitting .202/.252/.376 with five home runs in 109 at-bats. He made the Best Nine as the PL's top hurler. He finished third in MVP voting again, placing behind Yanagita and Shogo Akiyama for the 2015 Pacific League MVP. Ohtani placed third in MVP voting (first among pitchers) and was one of three candidates considered for the 2015 Sawamura Award, given annually to the top pitcher in either league.{{cite web |title=Hiroshima's Kenta Maeda wins 2015 Sawamura Award |url=http://yakyubaka.com/2015/10/26/10262015-hiroshimas-kenta-maeda-wins-2015-sawamura-award/ |publisher=yakyubaka.com |access-date=February 15, 2016 |archive-date=November 15, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161115135128/http://yakyubaka.com/2015/10/26/10262015-hiroshimas-kenta-maeda-wins-2015-sawamura-award/ |url-status=dead}}

Ohtani led the league in wins and winning percentage with a 15–5 record in just 22 starts, and his 2.24 ERA, five complete games, and three shutouts were also the best in the league. All these stats were career bests, as were his 196 strikeouts, 0.909 WHIP, and 11 strikeouts per nine innings.{{cite web |last1=Berg |first1=Ted |title=Japanese righty Shohei Otani throws 100 mph and plays DH on off-days |url=https://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/05/japanese-righty-shohei-otani-throws-100-mph-and-plays-dh-on-off-days |website=For The Win – USA Today |date=May 22, 2015 |access-date=July 7, 2021 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190149/https://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/05/japanese-righty-shohei-otani-throws-100-mph-and-plays-dh-on-off-days |url-status=live}}

Ohtani was dominant for the Japanese national team in the 2015 Premier 12. He hit 100 mph while blowing away eventual champion South Korea (10 K, 2 H, 2 BB, 0 R in 6 IP) before Norimoto was relieved. Facing South Korea again in the semifinals, he was even sharper (11 K, 0 BB, 1 HB, 1 H in 7 IP). He did not give up a hit until Keun-woo Jeong singled in the seventh inning and had the most whiffs in a game for the first Premier 12 ever.{{cite web |last1=Bertha |first1=Mike |title=Japanese two-way prodigy Shohei Ohtani is already dominating at the Premier 12 tournament |url=https://www.mlb.com/cut4/shohei-ohtani-premier-12-game-1/c-156788004 |publisher=Major League Baseball |language=en |date=November 8, 2015 |access-date=July 7, 2021 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709185844/https://www.mlb.com/cut4/shohei-ohtani-premier-12-game-1/c-156788004 |url-status=live}} Norimoto relieved with a 3–0 lead but he and two other relievers combined to allow four in the 9th to blow it as Japan fell in a shocking defeat. He tied for the event lead in ERA and led in strikeouts while allowing the lowest average by a starting pitcher. He was named the All-Star SP for the event (Sho Nakata was the only other member of Samurai Japan to be picked for the All-Star team).{{cite news |title=WBSC Premier12 All-World Team announced |url=http://wbsc.org/en/tournaments/2015-premier12/news/wbsc-premier12-all-world-team-announced |access-date=November 21, 2015 |date=November 21, 2015 |publisher=WBSC |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151124174624/http://wbsc.org/en/tournaments/2015-premier12/news/wbsc-premier12-all-world-team-announced |archive-date=November 24, 2015 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}

{{see also|2016 Nippon Professional Baseball season}}

In 104 games and 382 plate appearances in 2016, Ohtani hit 22 home runs. He also hit 18 doubles, 67 RBI, batted .322 with an OBP of .416, scored 65 runs, and had seven stolen bases. He won the Best Nine award as the designated hitter (DH).{{cite web |last1=Coskrey |first1=Jason |title=Otani makes history with Best Nine selection at both pitcher and DH |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2016/11/25/baseball/japanese-baseball/otani-makes-history-best-nine-selection-pitcher-dh/ |website=The Japan Times |date=November 25, 2016 |access-date=July 7, 2021 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184624/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2016/11/25/baseball/japanese-baseball/otani-makes-history-best-nine-selection-pitcher-dh/ |url-status=live}} Ohtani was the same dominant pitcher on the mound. In 21 games pitched, he had a career-low ERA of 1.86. He had a 10–4 record, struck out 174 batters in 140 innings with 4 complete games and one shutout. He also won the Best Nine award as a pitcher and won the Pacific League MVP. He got nearly double as many votes as any other pitcher for the PL for the 2016 NPB All-Star Game; he had 300,025 while second place Shota Takeda had 158,008.{{cite web |last1=Coskrey |first1=Jason |last2=Nagatsuka |first2=Kaz |title=Otani, Arai win MVP awards |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2016/11/29/baseball/japanese-baseball/otani-arai-win-mvp-awards/ |website=The Japan Times |date=November 29, 2016 |access-date=July 7, 2021 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184245/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2016/11/29/baseball/japanese-baseball/otani-arai-win-mvp-awards/ |url-status=live}} He could not pitch in the event due to a blister on his finger but wound up starring as a DH.{{cite web |last1=Coskrey |first1=Jason |title=Fellow All-Stars rave about Otani's special talents |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2016/07/16/baseball/japanese-baseball/fellow-all-stars-rave-about-otanis-special-talents/ |website=The Japan Times |date=July 16, 2016 |access-date=July 7, 2021 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709193630/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2016/07/16/baseball/japanese-baseball/fellow-all-stars-rave-about-otanis-special-talents/ |url-status=live}} In Game 1, he batted for DH Yuya Hasegawa and lined out in the 8th against Scott Mathieson. Starting at DH and hitting 5th in Game 2, he homered off Shoichi Ino in the 5th to start the PL comeback from a 3–0 deficit. He singled against Ryo Akiyoshi in the 7th and scored on a hit by Kenta Imamiya for a 4–3 lead. Coming up with a 5–4 deficit in the 8th, he singled off Shinji Tajima to bring in Shogo Akiyama with the tying run. He thus produced three of the PL's five runs in the 5–5 tie, earning him game MVP honors. He hit 102.5 mph (165 km/h) on the radar gun during the year, setting a new NPB record.{{cite web |last1=Axisa |first1=Mike |title=WATCH: Shohei Otani breaks his own record, throws Japan's fastest pitch ever |url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/watch-shohei-otani-breaks-his-own-record-by-throwing-japans-fastest-pitch-ever/ |website=CBS Sports |language=en |date=September 14, 2016 |access-date=July 7, 2021 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190824/https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/watch-shohei-otani-breaks-his-own-record-by-throwing-japans-fastest-pitch-ever/ |url-status=live}} The record was broken by Thyago Vieira five years later, but he still holds the record for a Japanese player.

He finished the year at .322/.416/.588 with 22 home runs in 382 plate appearances on offense and a 10–4 record and a 1.86 ERA on the mound with 174 strikeouts in 140 innings. He tied for 8th in the PL in wins and was third in strikeouts (behind Norimoto and Kodai Senga).{{cite web |last1=Birenbaum |first1=Jonah |title=Watch: Otani launches mammoth HR in NPB exhibition |url=https://www.thescore.com/mlb/news/1254724-watch-otani-launches-mammoth-hr-in-npb-exhibition |website=theScore.com |language=en |date=March 14, 2017 |access-date=July 7, 2021 |archive-date=October 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031000924/https://www.thescore.com/mlb/news/1254724-watch-otani-launches-mammoth-hr-in-npb-exhibition |url-status=live}}

He led Nippon Ham to the 2016 Japan Series, but lost the opener to the Hiroshima Carp; he struck out 11 in 6 innings but allowed 3 runs, two on a homer by Brad Eldred and one on a steal of home by Seiya Suzuki. Down 2 games to 0, he came up big as the DH in Game 3, getting three hits, a run, and an RBI. In the bottom of the 10th, he singled off Daichi Osera score Nishikawa with the winner; Nippon Ham would take the next three games to win their second Japan Series title. Teammate Brandon Laird would win the Series MVP. Ohtani hit .375/.412/.625 with four doubles, doing more on offense than on the mound for the Series.{{cite web |last3=Landers |first3=Chris |title=Here are four reasons why Shohei Ohtani was named MLB Pipeline's No. 1 prospect |url=https://www.mlb.com/cut4/shohei-ohtani-named-mlb-pipeline-s-top-prospect-for-2018-c265459876 |publisher=Major League Baseball |language=en |date=January 27, 2018 |access-date=July 7, 2021 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709185822/https://www.mlb.com/cut4/shohei-ohtani-named-mlb-pipeline-s-top-prospect-for-2018-c265459876 |url-status=live}}

He made the Best Nine as the top pitcher and top DH in the PL. He became the first player to receive the awards as both a pitcher and a hitter.{{cite web |url=http://npb.jp/award/2016/voting_bt9.html |title=2016年度 表彰選手 投票結果（ベストナイン） |access-date=January 27, 2017 |publisher=npb.jp |archive-date=September 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901032450/http://npb.jp/award/2016/voting_bt9.html |url-status=live}} He topped four-time Cuban MVP Alfredo Despaigne easily at DH (190 votes to 47; three others combined for eight votes) but the vote at pitcher was closer (he had 111 of 245 votes, Ishikawa 69 and Tsuyoshi Wada 61). He was the runaway winner of the 2016 Pacific League Most Valuable Player Award, getting 253 of 254 first-place votes (Naoki Miyanishi got the other one) and one second-place vote. He had 1,268 vote points, to 298 for runner-up Laird.{{cite web |title=The file on Shohei Ohtani |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/giants/file-shohei-ohtani |website=RSN |language=en |access-date=July 7, 2021 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709192146/https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/giants/file-shohei-ohtani |url-status=live}}

{{see also|2017 Nippon Professional Baseball season}}

In 2017, he played in 65 games, hitting .332 with eight homers and 31 RBIs while posting a 3–2 record, a 3.20 ERA, and 29 strikeouts as a pitcher.{{cite web |last1=Kram |first1=Zach |title=Shohei Ohtani, the Most Exciting Player in the World, Is Coming to MLB |url=https://www.theringer.com/2017/9/13/16300158/shohei-otani-two-way-japanese-star-posting |website=The Ringer |language=en |date=September 13, 2017 |access-date=October 7, 2021 |archive-date=October 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007065712/https://www.theringer.com/2017/9/13/16300158/shohei-otani-two-way-japanese-star-posting |url-status=live}} In September, it was revealed that Ohtani would ask to be posted at the end of the season to play in Major League Baseball in 2018. However, before that could happen, he had surgery on his right ankle in early October. The injury had originally occurred in the 2016 Japan Series and had cost him a chance to play in the 2017 World Baseball Classic in addition to restricting his playing time during the season.{{cite web |title=Shohei Otani: 'Hope to do my best in America from next year on' |date=November 10, 2017 |url=http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/21359530/japanese-baseball-star-shohei-Otani-made-available-mlb |publisher=ESPN |access-date=November 11, 2017 |archive-date=November 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110213124/http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/21359530/japanese-baseball-star-shohei-otani-made-available-mlb |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=In Short Order: Shohei Otani is an even better hitter than you probably expected |date=November 17, 2017 |url=https://www.mlb.com/cut4/shohei-ohtani-is-very-good-at-hitting-c261749442 |publisher=Major League Baseball |access-date=November 17, 2017 |archive-date=November 18, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171118213307/http://m.mlb.com/cutfour/2017/11/17/261749442/shohei-ohtani-is-very-good-at-hitting |url-status=live}} On November 21, 2017, MLB and NPB came to a posting agreement for Ohtani.{{cite web |url=https://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2017/11/21/16680940/shohei-ohtani-mlb-transfer-nippon-mlbpa-posting-system-agreement |title=Shohei Ohtani's path to MLB cleared after new posting agreement is reached before deadline |date=November 21, 2017 |access-date=March 21, 2018 |archive-date=December 30, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171230005613/https://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2017/11/21/16680940/shohei-ohtani-mlb-transfer-nippon-mlbpa-posting-system-agreement |url-status=live}}

Because he was under 25 years old, Ohtani was subjected to international signing rules. This capped his bonus at $3.557 million and limited him to a rookie salary scale, while the signing team also had to pay a $20 million posting fee to the Fighters. Ohtani narrowed his finalists to seven teams, signing with the Angels for a $2.315 million bonus.{{cite web |url=https://abc30.com/sports/angels-shohei-ohtani-beats-yankees-duo-to-win-al-rookie-of-the-year/4676462/ |title=Angels' Shohei Ohtani beats Yankees' duo to win AL Rookie of the Year |access-date=November 12, 2018 |archive-date=November 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113165815/https://abc30.com/sports/angels-shohei-ohtani-beats-yankees-duo-to-win-al-rookie-of-the-year/4676462/ |url-status=live}}

{{see also|2018 Los Angeles Angels season}}

On December 9, 2017, Ohtani signed his deal with the Los Angeles Angels.{{cite web |url=https://www.mlb.com/angels/news/angels-officially-introduce-shohei-ohtani/c-263185848 |title=Angels officially welcome 2-way star Ohtani |publisher=Major League Baseball |access-date=December 9, 2017 |archive-date=February 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227201950/https://www.mlb.com/angels/news/angels-officially-introduce-shohei-ohtani/c-263185848 |url-status=live}} On December 13, it was revealed that he had been diagnosed with a first-degree UCL sprain in his right elbow and received a platelet-rich plasma injection to treat the injury.{{cite web |title=Angels' Shohei Ohtani had platelet-rich plasma injection in pitching elbow, GM confirms |date=December 13, 2017 |url=http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/21753111/los-angeles-angels-two-way-star-shohei-ohtani-had-platelet-rich-plasma-injection-pitching-elbow |publisher=ESPN |access-date=December 13, 2017 |archive-date=December 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171213063344/http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/21753111/los-angeles-angels-two-way-star-shohei-ohtani-had-platelet-rich-plasma-injection-pitching-elbow |url-status=live}}

Ohtani's debut MLB spring training in 2018 was disastrous and the majority of American news sources were extremely disappointed, concluding that he could not accomplish even one of his two-way abilities.{{Cite news|title=Another open letter to Shohei Ohtani|date=2018-11-13|first=Kenny|last=Crocker|website=Pinstripe Alley|publisher=Vox Media|url=https://www.pinstripealley.com/2018/11/13/18089926/shohei-ohtani-miguel-andujar-gleyber-torres-rookie-of-the-year}}{{Cite news|title=Shohei Ohtani's spring struggles underscore the difficult path to two-way success in MLB|date=2018-03-19|first=Dave|last=Sheinin|newspaper=Washington Post|via=Denver Post|url=https://www.denverpost.com/2018/03/19/shohei-ohtani-spring-struggles/}}{{Cite news|title=Shohei Ohtani uneven in final spring game; Mike Scioscia calls it 'great outing'|date=2018-03-24|first=Jesse|last= Rogers|work=ESPN|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/22901162/shohei-ohtani-los-angeles-angels-struggles-final-spring-training-game}}{{Cite news|title=Shohei Ohtani Appears On Track To Open Season With Angels|date=2018-03-24|first=Barry M. |last=Bloom|work=Forbes|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/barrymbloom/2018/03/24/ohtani-appears-on-track-to-open-the-season-with-the-angels/}}{{Cite news|title=Shohei Ohtani, Angels undaunted by rocky spring: 'He's going to wow us,' says Mike Trout|date=2018-03-21|first=Bob |last=Nightengale|work=USA Today|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/columnist/bob-nightengale/2018/03/21/shohei-ohtani-angels-undaunted-rocky-spring-hes-going-wow-us-says-mike-trout/444908002/}} Over two spring games against major leaguer batters, in just 2.2 innings pitching he gave up three home runs and had a 27.0 earned run average (average ERA for MLB pitchers was 4.14 that year). He completed his five game spring training, three of which against minor leaguers, with an 11.7 ERA in pitching, and 4 hits for 32 at bats,{{Cite news|title=Shohei Ohtani singles in first major league at bat for Angels|date=2018-03-29|first=John |last=Hickey|work= USA Today|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2018/03/29/angels-shohei-ohtani-make-mlb-debut-dh/469934002/}} .125/.222/.125 in batting{{Cite news|title=Shohei Ohtani's Abbreviated Rookie Season Has Still Been a Near-Miracle|date=2018-09-14|first=Ben|last= Lindbergh|work=The Ringer|url=https://www.theringer.com/mlb/2018/9/14/17858936/los-angeles-angels-shohei-ohtani-rookie-season-success}} (batting average/on-base percentage/slugging percentage, averaged .248/.318/.409 for MLB batters that year). Several major newspapers suggested he needed plenty of Triple-A minor league appearances before starting for Angels.{{Cite news|title=Inbox: Could Shohei Ohtani start in the Minors? Beat reporter Maria Guardado answers Angels fans' questions|date=2018-03-22|first=Maria |last=Guardado|work=MLB.com Angels correspondent|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/could-shohei-ohtani-start-2018-in-the-minors-c269340374}}{{Cite news|title=As Ohtani's struggles continue, is starting the season at Triple A a possibility?|date=2018-03-14|first=Pedro |last=Moura|work=The Athletic, New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/277172/2018/03/16/as-ohtanis-struggles-continue-is-starting-the-season-at-triple-a-a-possibility/}}{{Cite news |last=Passan |first=Jeff |author-link=Jeff Passan |date=2018-03-10 |title=The verdict is in on Shohei Ohtani's bat and it's not good |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/verdict-shohei-ohtanis-bat-not-good-023611674.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180318050723/https://sports.yahoo.com/verdict-shohei-ohtanis-bat-not-good-023611674.html |archive-date=2018-03-18 |work=Yahoo Sports}} By the end of Ohtani's impressive 2018 MLB regular season, the American media admitted they wrote off Ohtani far too early.

File:Ohtani 2018.jpg

Before the start of the season, the Angels announced that they would use him as both a hitter and a pitcher.{{cite web |last1=Berg |first1=Ted |title=It's really happening: Two days after pitching, Shohei Ohtani will DH for the Angels |url=https://ftw.usatoday.com/2018/02/los-angeles-angels-shohei-ohtani-dh-pitcher-yes-yes-mlb |website=For The Win – USA Today |date=February 26, 2018 |quote=This shouldn't really qualify as news, as the Angels have made it clear since they signed Shohei Ohtani in December that they would allow him to continue working as both a pitcher and a hitter like he did successfully in the NPB in Japan. |access-date=October 5, 2021 |archive-date=October 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211005231132/https://ftw.usatoday.com/2018/02/los-angeles-angels-shohei-ohtani-dh-pitcher-yes-yes-mlb |url-status=live}} Ohtani started as the designated hitter on Opening Day, March 29, against the Oakland Athletics, singling in his first at-bat off of Kendall Graveman.{{cite web |last=Gutierrez |first=Paul |date=March 30, 2018 |title=Angels' Ohtani: 'Never going to forget' first at-bat, a single |url=http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/22955841/shohei-ohtani-los-angeles-angels-singles-first-major-league-bat |access-date=March 30, 2018 |publisher=ESPN |archive-date=April 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180405042556/http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/22955841/shohei-ohtani-los-angeles-angels-singles-first-major-league-bat |url-status=live}} On April 1, he made his pitching debut, striking out six batters in six innings while allowing three runs, to pick up his first MLB win.{{cite web |last1=Guardado |first1=Maria |title=Sho time! Ohtani dazzles in mound debut |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/angels-shohei-ohtani-makes-pitching-debut-c270406700 |publisher=Major League Baseball |language=en |date=April 1, 2018 |access-date=October 5, 2021 |archive-date=June 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618002923/https://www.mlb.com/news/angels-shohei-ohtani-makes-pitching-debut/c-270406700 |url-status=live}} On April 3, Ohtani hit his first MLB home run, a 397-foot three-run homer against Josh Tomlin.{{cite web |last=Guardado |first=Maria |date=April 3, 2018 |title=Shohei Ohtani hits first MLB home run |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-hits-first-major-league-home-run/c-270714474 |access-date=August 3, 2021 |publisher=Major League Baseball |archive-date=April 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180408012115/https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-hits-first-major-league-home-run/c-270714474 |url-status=live}} On April 6, he hit his third home run in three days, becoming the first Angels rookie to do so.{{cite web |last=Guardado |first=Maria |date=April 7, 2018 |title=Ohtani homers in his third straight game |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/ohtani-homers-in-third-straight-game/c-271147908 |access-date=August 3, 2021 |publisher=Major League Baseball |archive-date=August 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180820021301/https://www.mlb.com/news/ohtani-homers-in-third-straight-game/c-271147908 |url-status=live}} In only his second start on the mound on April 8, Ohtani took a perfect game through 6⅓ innings before allowing a hit. Overall, Ohtani pitched seven scoreless innings while striking out 12.{{cite web |last=Yang |first=Avery |date=April 8, 2018 |title=Shohei Ohtani retires first 19, fans 12 over 7 scoreless |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-retires-first-19-strikes-out-12/c-271342594 |access-date=April 8, 2018 |publisher=Major League Baseball |archive-date=April 9, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409062350/https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-retires-first-19-strikes-out-12/c-271342594 |url-status=live}} On June 8, he was placed on the injured list for the first time in his MLB career due to a Grade 2 UCL sprain in his right elbow. He received platelet-rich plasma and stem-cell injections to treat the injury.{{cite web |last=Guardado |first=Maria |date=June 8, 2018 |title=Shohei Ohtani has UCL sprain, placed on DL |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-has-ucl-sprain/c-280336150 |access-date=June 8, 2018 |publisher=Major League Baseball |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612142223/https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-has-ucl-sprain/c-280336150 |url-status=live}}

Ohtani was activated from the injured list as a hitter on July 2{{Cite web |date=July 2, 2018 |title=Angels' Shohei Ohtani activated from DL, goes 0-for-4 versus M's |url=http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/23990910/shohei-ohtani-reinstated-los-angeles-angels |access-date=July 10, 2018 |publisher=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=July 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180711090617/http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/23990910/shohei-ohtani-reinstated-los-angeles-angels |url-status=live}} and on August 3, hit two home runs against the Cleveland Indians, marking his first career multiple-home run game and his first two home runs in a road game.{{cite web |title=Shohei Ohtani homers twice, his first two on the road |publisher=Major League Baseball |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-hits-two-homers-first-on-road/c-288734968 |date=August 3, 2018 |access-date=August 3, 2018 |archive-date=October 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031000908/https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-career-night-leads-angels-to-win-c288734968 |url-status=live}} After not pitching for 11 weeks, Angels manager Mike Scioscia announced that Ohtani would start the game against the Houston Astros on September 2.{{cite web |url=http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/24526952/shohei-ohtani-returning-angels-rotation |title=Shohei Ohtani ready to pitch Sunday after nursing 11-week UCL injury |publisher=ESPN |date=August 30, 2018 |access-date=August 31, 2018 |archive-date=August 31, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831031548/http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/24526952/shohei-ohtani-returning-angels-rotation |url-status=live}} However, hampered by a tight back and sore finger he only lasted {{fraction|2|1|3}} innings in the game.{{cite web |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-has-injury-scare-in-mound-return-c292644766 |title=Ohtani's velocity dip in return not elbow-related |work=mlb.com |first=Maria |last=Guardado |date=September 2, 2018 |access-date=January 15, 2024 |archive-date=January 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115230513/https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-has-injury-scare-in-mound-return-c292644766 |url-status=live}}

Ohtani ended his first major league season with a batting average of .285, a .361 on-base-percentage, 22 home runs, 61 RBIs, and 10 stolen bases. In 10 starts on the mound, he notched a 4–2 record with a 3.31 ERA, 1.16 walks plus hits per inning pitched (WHIP), and 63 strikeouts.{{cite web |title=Ohtani has successful Tommy John surgery |publisher=Major League Baseball |url=https://www.mlb.com/angels/news/shohei-ohtanis-tommy-john-surgery-successful/c-296823034 |date=October 1, 2018 |access-date=October 1, 2018 |archive-date=October 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002042725/https://www.mlb.com/angels/news/shohei-ohtanis-tommy-john-surgery-successful/c-296823034 |url-status=live}} His .564 slugging percentage ranked seventh overall among MLB players with at least 350 plate appearances for this season. He became the second-fastest Angels rookie to reach 20 home runs, and he joined Babe Ruth as the only MLB players with 10 pitching appearances and 20 homers in a season.{{cite web |url=https://www.foxsports.com/west/story/shohei-ohtani-named-american-league-rookie-of-the-year-by-baseball-digest-103118 |title=Shohei Ohtani named AL Rookie of the Year by Baseball Digest |work=Fox Sports |date=October 31, 2018 |access-date=November 2, 2018 |archive-date=November 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181102032327/https://www.foxsports.com/west/story/shohei-ohtani-named-american-league-rookie-of-the-year-by-baseball-digest-103118 |url-status=live}} He also won the American League Rookie of the Month award twice; in April and in September.{{cite web |url=https://www.foxsports.com/west/story/shohei-ohtani-earns-second-rookie-of-the-month-award-100118?abTest=pin-top |title=Shohei Ohtani earns second Rookie of the Month award |work=Fox Sports |date=October 2018 |access-date=October 2, 2018 |archive-date=October 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181003014301/https://www.foxsports.com/west/story/shohei-ohtani-earns-second-rookie-of-the-month-award-100118?abTest=pin-top |url-status=live}}

On September 3, it was revealed that Ohtani would undergo Tommy John surgery, after an MRI showed new damage to his UCL.{{cite web |last1=Gonzalez |first1=Alden |url=http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/24588925/los-angeles-angels-say-doctors-recommended-tommy-john-surgery-pitcher-dh-shohei-ohtani |title=Shohei Ohtani slams 2 homers after Tommy John surgery recommendation |publisher=ESPN |date=September 5, 2018 |access-date=September 6, 2018 |archive-date=September 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180906043524/http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/24588925/los-angeles-angels-say-doctors-recommended-tommy-john-surgery-pitcher-dh-shohei-ohtani |url-status=live}}
{{cite web |last1=Gonzalez |first1=Alden |url=http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/24797186/shohei-ohtani-los-angeles-angels-decides-tommy-john-surgery |title=Angels' Shohei Ohtani will have Tommy John at start of offseason |publisher=ESPN |date=September 26, 2018 |access-date=September 27, 2018 |archive-date=September 26, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926120008/http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/24797186/shohei-ohtani-los-angeles-angels-decides-tommy-john-surgery |url-status=live}} He underwent the surgery on October 1. On November 12, he was named the American League Rookie of the Year.{{Cite web |last=Schoenfield |first=David |date=November 12, 2018 |title=Ohtani tops Yanks duo for AL Rookie of the Year |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/25259659/angels-shohei-ohtani-beats-yankees-duo-win-al-rookie-year |access-date=March 11, 2023 |publisher=ESPN |archive-date=March 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230322230430/https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/25259659/angels-shohei-ohtani-beats-yankees-duo-win-al-rookie-year |url-status=live}}

File:Ohtani_batting_2019.08.04(3).jpg

{{see also|2019 Los Angeles Angels season}}

On May 7, 2019, Ohtani played in his first game with the Angels since undergoing Tommy John surgery, batting as a designated hitter against the Detroit Tigers.{{Cite web |last=Schmehl |first=James |date=May 7, 2019 |title=Ohtani activated as DH, hitting 3rd tonight |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-activated-from-injured-list |access-date=June 1, 2022 |publisher=Major League Baseball |archive-date=July 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717045519/https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-activated-from-injured-list |url-status=live}} In a June 13 game against the Tampa Bay Rays, he became the first Japanese-born player to hit for the cycle in MLB history.{{Cite web |last=Townsend |first=Mark |date=June 13, 2019 |title=Shohei Ohtani becomes first Japanese-born player to hit for the cycle |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/shohei-ohtani-is-first-japanese-player-to-hit-for-the-cycle-015251263.html |access-date=June 13, 2019 |website=Yahoo Sports |archive-date=June 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190614163120/https://sports.yahoo.com/shohei-ohtani-is-first-japanese-player-to-hit-for-the-cycle-015251263.html |url-status=live}} On September 12, his season prematurely ended after it was revealed that he needed surgery to repair a bipartite patella. He finished the season batting .286/.343/.505 with 18 home runs, 62 RBIs, and 12 stolen bases in 106 games.{{Cite web |last=Bollinger |first=Rhett |date=September 12, 2019 |title=Ohtani to have left knee surgery, season over |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-left-knee-surgery |access-date=June 1, 2022 |publisher=Major League Baseball |language=en |archive-date=December 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223012112/https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-left-knee-surgery |url-status=live}}

{{see also|2020 Los Angeles Angels season}}

The 2020 MLB season did not start until July 24 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web |last=Simon |first=Andrew |date=July 6, 2020 |title=MLB's 60-game schedule for 2020 unveiled |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/2020-major-league-baseball-schedule-released |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101011118/https://www.mlb.com/news/2020-major-league-baseball-schedule-released |archive-date=November 1, 2020 |access-date=July 8, 2020 |publisher=Major League Baseball}} On July 24, Ohtani was the first ever automatic player on second base in an official MLB game at the start of the 10th inning as part of one of the new 2020 MLB season rules in a game against the Oakland Athletics. He was thrown out in a rundown.{{cite web |last=Yomtov |first=Jesse |date=July 25, 2020 |title=Shohei Ohtani makes blunder as first baserunner under MLB's new extra-inning rule |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2020/07/25/shohei-ohtani-angels-extra-innings/5509164002/ |access-date=July 25, 2020 |website=USA Today |language=en-US |archive-date=July 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200725155606/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2020/07/25/shohei-ohtani-angels-extra-innings/5509164002/ |url-status=live}} On July 26, Ohtani returned to the mound against the Oakland Athletics, making his first pitching appearance since September 2018. He allowed five runs and was removed from the mound without recording an out, starting his season with a loss and an infinite ERA.{{cite web |last=Bollinger |first=Rhett |date=July 26, 2020 |title=Ohtani's return goes awry: 5 runs, no outs |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-chased-first-start-since-tommy-john-surgery |access-date=May 17, 2021 |publisher=Major League Baseball |language=en |archive-date=August 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801142734/https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-chased-first-start-since-tommy-john-surgery |url-status=live}} After his second start he began to experience discomfort in his right arm, and it was eventually revealed that he had a flexor strain in his right elbow after undergoing an MRI.{{Cite web |last=Bollinger |first=Rhett |date=August 3, 2020 |title=Shohei (flexor) won't throw for 4–6 weeks |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-flexor-strain-injury |access-date=August 3, 2020 |publisher=Major League Baseball |archive-date=August 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804145221/https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-flexor-strain-injury |url-status=live}} He was shut down from pitching for the rest of the season.{{Cite web |last=Beacham |first=Greg |date=August 4, 2020 |title=Maddon: Shohei Ohtani won't pitch again for Angels this year |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/maddon-shohei-ohtani-wont-pitch-001545078.html |access-date=August 5, 2020 |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=January 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126102137/https://sports.yahoo.com/maddon-shohei-ohtani-wont-pitch-001545078.html |url-status=live}}

On the offensive side, Ohtani finished the season batting .190/.291/.366 with seven home runs, 24 RBIs, and seven stolen bases in 43 games.{{Cite web |last=Stephen |first=Eric |date=December 21, 2020 |title=2020 Angels in review: Shohei Ohtani |url=https://www.halosheaven.com/2020/12/21/22193524/shohei-ohtani-angels-2020-review |access-date=June 1, 2022 |website=Halos Heaven |language=en |archive-date=July 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220703124849/https://www.halosheaven.com/2020/12/21/22193524/shohei-ohtani-angels-2020-review |url-status=live}} The culmination of experiencing injuries in his 2019 and 2020 campaigns led to Ohtani describing feeling "frustrated" and "useless". He went on to say that while his 2019 had been disappointing, his 2020 had been "more like pathetic" because he could not pitch or hit the way he wanted to. Ohtani said, "[Until 2019], I could more or less do the things I wanted to do. I'd pretty much never experienced the feeling of wanting to do something but being completely unable to do it."{{cite web |last1=Lindbergh |first1=Ben |title=The Dream of Shohei Ohtani Is Alive |url=https://www.theringer.com/mlb/2021/3/9/22320848/shohei-ohtani-season-preview-two-way |website=The Ringer |date=March 9, 2021 |access-date=March 9, 2021 |archive-date=March 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309202147/https://www.theringer.com/mlb/2021/3/9/22320848/shohei-ohtani-season-preview-two-way |url-status=live}}

{{See also|2021 Los Angeles Angels season}}

After the results of the 2019 and 2020 seasons, Ohtani spent the offseason overhauling himself.{{cite web |last=Harris |first=Jack |date=February 18, 2021 |title=Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani is happy to be free of restrictions on his use |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/angels/story/2021-02-18/angels-two-way-star-shohei-ohtani-happy-free-of-restrictions |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en |access-date=October 5, 2021 |archive-date=October 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211005204515/https://www.latimes.com/sports/angels/story/2021-02-18/angels-two-way-star-shohei-ohtani-happy-free-of-restrictions |url-status=live}} He adjusted his diet, threw bullpen sessions earlier than usual and took batting practice against live pitching, an offseason first for him. He also embraced data and technology to optimize his training and recovery and also tinkered with a changeup. Furthermore, in spring training, the Angels and Ohtani agreed to allow him to play without limitations or restrictions and drop the "Ohtani Rules",{{cite web |last=Miller |first=Scott |date=May 14, 2021 |title=Shohei Ohtani Unleashed |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/14/sports/baseball/shohei-ohtani-unleashed.html |access-date=October 5, 2021 |website=The New York Times |language=en |archive-date=October 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211005204515/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/14/sports/baseball/shohei-ohtani-unleashed.html |url-status=live}} a plan the Angels mirrored from Ohtani's schedule in Japan and had implemented since his 2018 rookie season that restricted his usage to a schedule of pitching once a week and hitting only three to four times between starts.

On February 8, Ohtani agreed to a two-year $8.5 million contract with the Angels, avoiding arbitration.{{cite web |date=February 8, 2021 |title=Angels' Shohei Ohtani: Avoids two years of arbitration |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/angels-shohei-ohtani-avoids-two-years-of-arbitration/ |access-date=July 18, 2021 |work=CBS Sports |language=en |archive-date=May 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525050128/https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/angels-shohei-ohtani-avoids-two-years-of-arbitration/ |url-status=live}} On June 23, he hit for himself as a pitcher and the second batter in the lineup with designated hitter rules in place, making it the first time in MLB history that an American League team chose not to use a DH while a National League team used one.{{cite web |last=Bollinger |first=Rhett |date=June 23, 2021 |title='Why not Ohtani?': Angels make DH history |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-pitches-vs-giants-angels-forgo-designated-hitter |access-date=July 21, 2021 |publisher=Major League Baseball |language=en |archive-date=July 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728184009/https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-pitches-vs-giants-angels-forgo-designated-hitter |url-status=live}} On July 7, he hit his 32nd home run of the year, a solo shot off of Boston Red Sox starter Eduardo Rodríguez, passing Hideki Matsui's mark in 2004, for the most home runs hit during a season by a Japanese-born player in MLB.{{cite web |last=Beacham |first=Greg |date=July 8, 2021 |title=Ohtani hits 32nd HR, tops Matsui's Japanese sluggers record |url=https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/article252636833.html |access-date=July 8, 2021 |website=The Charlotte Observer |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709185731/https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/article252636833.html |url-status=live}} Ohtani became the first player to be selected as an All-Star as both a position player and a pitcher.{{cite web |last=Bollinger |first=Rhett |date=July 4, 2021 |title=Trailblazer Ohtani in ASG as hitter, pitcher |url=https://www.mlb.com/angels/news/shohei-ohtani-home-run-459-feet |access-date=July 4, 2021 |publisher=Major League Baseball |archive-date=July 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210704215302/https://www.mlb.com/angels/news/shohei-ohtani-home-run-459-feet |url-status=live}} Ohtani participated in the 2021 Home Run Derby on July 12. He lost to Juan Soto in the first round, but set a record for the most home runs in the Derby of at least 500 feet with six.{{cite web |date=July 12, 2021 |title=2021 MLB All-Star Home Run Derby: Results, bracket and highlights as stars swung for the fences in Denver |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/page/mlbmain-predictionsupdatesand/predictions-updates-takeaways-everything-need-mlb-all-star-home-run-derby-coors-field |access-date=July 13, 2021 |publisher=ESPN |archive-date=July 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712200727/https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/page/mlbmain-predictionsupdatesand/predictions-updates-takeaways-everything-need-mlb-all-star-home-run-derby-coors-field |url-status=live}}
{{cite web |last=Bollinger |first=Rhett |date=July 14, 2021 |title=Ohtani earns historic win with perfect 1st |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-angels-2021-all-star-game |access-date=July 22, 2021 |publisher=Major League Baseball |archive-date=July 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210723131120/https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-angels-2021-all-star-game |url-status=live}}

In the All-Star Game, he was the starting pitcher and leadoff designated hitter for the American League.{{cite web |last=Owens |first=Jason |date=July 12, 2021 |title=All-Star Game: Shohei Ohtani named AL starting pitcher after MLB bends rules for Kevin Cash |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/all-star-game-shohei-ohtani-named-al-starting-pitcher-after-mlb-bends-rules-for-kevin-cash-232826581.html |access-date=July 14, 2021 |publisher=Major League Baseball |archive-date=July 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713175229/https://sports.yahoo.com/all-star-game-shohei-ohtani-named-al-starting-pitcher-after-mlb-bends-rules-for-kevin-cash-232826581.html |url-status=live}}

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On July 26, in his 15th pitching start of the season against the Colorado Rockies, Ohtani became the first pitcher in league history to register 100 strikeouts while holding a major-league-leading 35 home runs before the end of July, as no pitcher had ever recorded triple-digit strikeouts and added more than nine home runs in the same season.{{cite web |last=Guerrero |first=Daniel |date=July 26, 2021 |title=Los Angeles Angels manager Joe Maddon says star Shohei Ohtani should win the AL MVP award: 'It's not even close' |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-does-it-all-against-rockies |access-date=July 27, 2021 |publisher=Major League Baseball |language=en |archive-date=July 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727051611/https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-does-it-all-against-rockies |url-status=live}} Additionally, in the same game, Ohtani became the first pitcher to throw a scoreless top half and record a hit, a RBI, a stolen base and a scored run while playing in an AL ballpark since Luis Tiant did so for the Minnesota Twins on April 26, 1970.{{cite web |last=Gonzalez |first=Alden |date=July 26, 2021 |title=Ohtani pitches, hits and runs through Rox |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/31893997/los-angeles-angels-manager-joe-maddon-says-star-shohei-ohtani-win-al-mvp-award-not-even-close |access-date=July 27, 2021 |publisher=ESPN |language=en |archive-date=July 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727062403/https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/31893997/los-angeles-angels-manager-joe-maddon-says-star-shohei-ohtani-win-al-mvp-award-not-even-close |url-status=live}}

Ohtani would finish the month of July as the first player in Major League history to ever have at least 37 home runs and 15 stolen bases before the end of July.{{cite web |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-makes-history-with-stolen-base-vs-athletics |title=Ohtani steals way into record books in loss |first=Rhett |last=Bollinger |publisher=Major League Baseball |date=July 29, 2021 |access-date=August 2, 2021 |archive-date=August 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210802193936/https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-makes-history-with-stolen-base-vs-athletics |url-status=live}} And for the second straight month, Ohtani also earned his second American League Player of the Month Award, becoming the first back-to-back Player of the Month Award winner in either league since Chase Headley in August and September 2012, and the first in the AL since Josh Hamilton in 2012. For July, he produced nine home runs, 19 RBIs, 16 walks, and a .282/.396/.671 slash line in 23 games at the plate, and a 1.35 ERA with 17 strikeouts and one walk in 20 innings.{{cite web |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-joey-votto-are-july-players-of-the-month |title=Ohtani, Schwarber named June's top players |first=Thomas |last=Harrigan |publisher=Major League Baseball |date=August 2, 2021 |access-date=August 2, 2021 |archive-date=October 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211004233705/https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-joey-votto-are-july-players-of-the-month |url-status=live}}

On August 18, Ohtani hit his 40th of the year, becoming the first left-handed batter in Angels history to reach 40 home runs, surpassing lefty Reggie Jackson's 1982 record of 39.{{Cite web |last=Bollinger |first=Rhett |date=August 19, 2021 |title=Whoa! Ohtani's best game yet? 40th HR, 8 IP |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-hits-40th-home-run-of-2021 |access-date=October 4, 2021 |publisher=Major League Baseball |archive-date=August 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819095359/https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-hits-40th-home-run-of-2021 |url-status=live}} He capped off the month of August by stealing his 20th base in a game on August 28 against the San Diego Padres, becoming the first Japanese-born player{{cite web |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/what-did-shohei-ohtani-do-this-week-become-the-first-japanese-born-player-to-go-40-20-123739006.html |title=What did Shohei Ohtani do this week? Become the first Japanese-born player to go 40–20 |publisher=Yahoo! Sports |first=Mo |last=Castillo |date=August 30, 2021 |access-date=September 9, 2021 |archive-date=September 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210909213718/https://sports.yahoo.com/what-did-shohei-ohtani-do-this-week-become-the-first-japanese-born-player-to-go-40-20-123739006.html |url-status=live}} and the first player in Angels history to hit 40 home runs and have 20 stolen bases in the same season. He joined Alex Rodriguez in 2007 and Ken Griffey Jr. in 1999 as the 3rd AL player to accomplish this feat before September. He also became the first AL player to reach both of those totals in a season since Curtis Granderson in 2011.{{cite web |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-first-angel-with-40-20-season |title=Sho shakes off injury, makes Halos history |publisher=Major League Baseball |first=Rhett |last=Bollinger |date=August 28, 2021 |access-date=September 9, 2021 |archive-date=March 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220323105759/https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-first-angel-with-40-20-season |url-status=live}}

From September 22 to 25, Ohtani drew 13 walks in a 4-game span, tying an AL/NL record set by Babe Ruth in 1930, Bryce Harper in 2016, and Yasmani Grandal in 2021. He drew a career-high four walks on September 22 and three walks on September 23, against the Houston Astros, followed by four more walks on September 24 and two walks on September 25 against the Seattle Mariners.{{cite web |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-triples-twice-as-angels-rout-mariners |title=Ohtani a triple threat as Halos rout Mariners |publisher=Major League Baseball |first=Rhett |last=Bollinger |date=September 25, 2021 |access-date=September 27, 2021 |archive-date=September 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926075516/https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-triples-twice-as-angels-rout-mariners |url-status=live}} His 11 walks drawn in the three-game span also tied the MLB record set by Harper in 2016.{{cite web |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-walks-four-times-against-mariners |title=Fearsome Ohtani walking at historic rate |publisher=Major League Baseball |first=Rhett |last=Bollinger |date=September 24, 2021 |access-date=September 27, 2021 |archive-date=September 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927234041/https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-walks-four-times-against-mariners |url-status=live}}

On September 26, Ohtani reached the 150-strikeout milestone against the Seattle Mariners and finished the year unbeaten at home, going 6–0 with a 1.95 ERA in 13 starts. Ohtani's home ERA was the lowest by an Angels starter since Jered Weaver in 2011. He also became the sixth starter in AL or NL history to make at least 13 home starts without a losing decision and an ERA below 2.00 in a season.{{Cite web |last=Bollinger |first=Rhett |date=September 26, 2021 |title='An absolute ace': Sho K's 10 in home finale |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-strikes-out-10-against-mariners |access-date=September 27, 2021 |publisher=Major League Baseball |archive-date=September 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926234810/https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-strikes-out-10-against-mariners |url-status=live}} In the last game of the season against the Seattle Mariners, he passed teammate Mike Trout's 45 home runs in a single season to finish with the second-most home runs in a season in Angels history at 46, trailing only Troy Glaus' 47 home runs in 2000.{{Cite web |last=Bollinger |first=Rhett |date=October 3, 2021 |title=46 HRs, 100 RBIs: Shohei caps dream season |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-homers-in-game-162-vs-mariners |access-date=October 4, 2021 |publisher=Major League Baseball |archive-date=October 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211003200854/https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-homers-in-game-162-vs-mariners |url-status=live}}

For the year, Ohtani finished his pitching campaign by making 23 starts on the mound, going 9–2 with a 3.18 ERA, 156 strikeouts, 1.09 WHIP, and 44 walks in 130 1/3 innings. On the hitting side, Ohtani finished with an American League-leading 20 intentional walks, which was the most by an AL player since Trout in 2018. Ohtani, who batted .257/.372/.592, including 46 home runs — runner-up for the MLB lead in homers, 100 RBI, 103 runs, and 26 steals in 155 games and 639 plate appearances, hit several milestones to close his season, reaching both 100 RBIs and 100 runs for the first time in his career. He also tied for the MLB lead with eight triples to go along with 26 stolen bases. Ohtani became the first player in MLB history to have at least 45 homers, 25 stolen bases, 100 RBIs, 100 runs, and eight triples in a season and the second player in AL history to record at least 45 homers and 25 stolen bases in a season, joining Jose Canseco in 1998. He led the league with a wins above replacement (WAR) value of 9.1 and finished third in home runs (46), fourth in slugging percentage (.592), fifth in OPS (.965), first in triples (eight), fifth in drawing walks (96), eighth in stolen bases (26), second in extra-base hits (80), second in intentional walks (20), fifth in OPS+ (158), and first in power-speed number (33.2).

Ohtani was unanimously voted the American League Most Valuable Player, becoming the 23rd pitcher and first designated hitter to win the award.{{cite web |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-mvp-award-winners-2021 |title=A 2-way and a 2-time MVP in Ohtani, Bryce |first=Anthony |last=Castrovince |publisher=Major League Baseball |date=November 18, 2021 |access-date=November 19, 2021 |archive-date=November 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119000341/https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-mvp-award-winners-2021 |url-status=live}}
{{cite web |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2021/11/18/angels-shohei-ohtani-wins-american-league-mvp/ |title=Angels' Shohei Ohtani wins American League MVP |first=Jeff |last=Fletcher |publisher=Orange County Register |date=November 18, 2021 |access-date=November 18, 2021 |archive-date=November 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211118235353/https://www.ocregister.com/2021/11/18/angels-shohei-ohtani-wins-american-league-mvp/ |url-status=live}} For the 2021 All-MLB Team, Ohtani is the only player to be named to both teams, first team and second team, in the same season (as a designated hitter and starting pitcher respectively).{{cite news |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/2021-all-mlb-team |title=The '21 All-MLB Team is here. And it's stacked |first=Anthony |last=Castrovince |publisher=Major League Baseball |date=November 23, 2021 |access-date=November 23, 2021 |archive-date=December 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208113426/https://www.mlb.com/news/2021-all-mlb-team |url-status=live}} He became the first pitcher, the first Japanese player and the first Angels player to win the Edgar Martínez Outstanding Designated Hitter Award.{{Cite web |last=Bollinger |first=Rhett |date=November 29, 2021 |title=Ohtani wins 2021 Edgar Martinez DH Award |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-wins-2021-edgar-martinez-outstanding-dh-award |access-date=November 29, 2021 |publisher=Major League Baseball |archive-date=November 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130084350/https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-wins-2021-edgar-martinez-outstanding-dh-award |url-status=live}}
{{cite web |url=https://www.nippon.com/en/news/yjj2021113000335/ |title=Ohtani Wins This Year's Edgar Martinez DH Award |website=Nippon.com |date=November 30, 2021 |access-date=November 30, 2021 |archive-date=November 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130223302/https://www.nippon.com/en/news/yjj2021113000335/ |url-status=live}} Ohtani was also awarded the Silver Slugger Award for being the best offensive player at the designated hitter position in the American League,{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/LAA/2021.shtml |title=2021 Los Angeles Angels Statistics |work=Baseball-Reference.com |publisher=Sports Reference LLC |access-date=November 11, 2021 |archive-date=November 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112001530/https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/LAA/2021.shtml |url-status=live}} and was named to Time 100's list of most influential people of 2021,{{Cite magazine |last=Rodriguez |first=Alex |date=September 15, 2021 |title=The 100 Most Influential People of 2021, Shohei Ohtani |url=https://time.com/collection/100-most-influential-people-2021/6096102/shohei-ohtani/ |access-date=September 15, 2021 |magazine=Time |archive-date=September 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915143224/https://time.com/collection/100-most-influential-people-2021/6096102/shohei-ohtani/ |url-status=live}} which culminated to many end-of-the-season-accolades. He was named Associated Press AP Athlete of the Year,{{Cite web |last=Beacham |first=Greg |date=December 28, 2021 |title=One of a kind: Ohtani wins AP Male Athlete of Year award |url=https://apnews.com/article/shohei-ohtani-los-angeles-angels-mlb-sports-9973f985b361a949951019fd0241921a |access-date=December 28, 2021 |website=AP News |archive-date=March 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330105719/https://apnews.com/article/shohei-ohtani-los-angeles-angels-mlb-sports-9973f985b361a949951019fd0241921a |url-status=live}} Sporting News Athlete of the Year,{{Cite web |last=Foster |first=Jason |date=December 31, 2021 |title=Shohei Ohtani is the 2021 Sporting News Athlete of the Year |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/mlb/news/shohei-ohtani-2021-sporting-news-athlete-of-the-year/11wa1ws7tpnk13ritc17beacu |access-date=December 31, 2021 |website=Sporting News |archive-date=December 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211230235515/https://www.sportingnews.com/us/mlb/news/shohei-ohtani-2021-sporting-news-athlete-of-the-year/11wa1ws7tpnk13ritc17beacu |url-status=live}} Baseball Digest Player of the Year{{Cite web |last=Ladson |first=Bill |date=October 7, 2021 |title=Ohtani is Baseball Digest's Player of the Year |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-named-2021-baseball-digest-player-of-the-year |access-date=October 7, 2021 |publisher=Major League Baseball |archive-date=October 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007180110/https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-named-2021-baseball-digest-player-of-the-year |url-status=live}} and Baseball America Major League Player of the Year.{{Cite web |last=Glaser |first=Kyle |date=October 22, 2021 |title=Shohei Ohtani Is Baseball America's 2021 MLB Player Of The Year |url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/shohei-ohtani-is-baseball-americas-2021-mlb-player-of-the-year/ |access-date=October 25, 2021 |website=Baseball America |archive-date=October 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022151019/https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/shohei-ohtani-is-baseball-americas-2021-mlb-player-of-the-year/ |url-status=live}} From his MLB peers he was given Sporting News Player of the Year Award,{{Cite web |last=Fagan |first=Ryan |date=October 28, 2021 |title='Beyond incredible': Shohei Ohtani constantly left MLB peers in awe during historic 2021 season |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/mlb/news/shohei-ohtani-constantly-left-mlb-peers-in-awe-during-historic-2021-season/eecuclrxtcwt102bqe7x6ay81 |access-date=October 28, 2021 |website=Sporting News |archive-date=October 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028143103/https://www.sportingnews.com/us/mlb/news/shohei-ohtani-constantly-left-mlb-peers-in-awe-during-historic-2021-season/eecuclrxtcwt102bqe7x6ay81 |url-status=live}} Players Choice Player of the Year Award, and Players Choice American League Outstanding Player Award.{{Cite web |last=Randhawa |first=Manny |date=October 28, 2021 |title=The 2021 Players Choice Award winners are... |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-players-choice-awards-2021 |access-date=October 29, 2021 |publisher=Major League Baseball |archive-date=October 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029002614/https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-players-choice-awards-2021 |url-status=live}} He was also named as both the team's Los Angeles Angels Player of the Year of 2021 and the team's Nick Adenhart Pitcher of the Year Award, as voted by his teammates.{{Cite web |date=September 25, 2021 |title=Ohtani named team MVP and Pitcher of Year |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210926_08/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211004210219/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210926_08/ |archive-date=October 4, 2021 |access-date=October 4, 2021 |website=NHK}}

Additionally, Ohtani's 2021 season was recognized for two Guinness World Records titles: (1) the first MLB player to achieve 100+ innings and record 100+ strikeouts as a pitcher, and 100+ RBIs, hits and runs as a batter in a single season and (2) the first player to start the MLB All-Star Game as a pitcher and a designated hitter.{{Cite web |date=November 18, 2021 |title=Tokyo Tower to light the sky in Angels' colors to celebrate Shohei Ohtani's MVP season |url=https://www.mlb.com/press-release/press-release-tokyo-tower-to-light-the-sky-in-angels-colors-to-celebrate-ohtani |access-date=June 1, 2022 |publisher=Major League Baseball |language=en |archive-date=January 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118143444/https://www.mlb.com/press-release/press-release-tokyo-tower-to-light-the-sky-in-angels-colors-to-celebrate-ohtani |url-status=live}} He also became the 16th recipient of the Commissioner's Historic Achievement Award, awarded by Commissioner Rob Manfred,{{cite web |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/ohtani-commissioner-s-historic-achievement-award |title=Ohtani wins Historic Achievement Award |first=Anthony |last=Castrovince |publisher=Major League Baseball |date=October 26, 2021 |access-date=October 26, 2021 |archive-date=October 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027101805/https://www.mlb.com/news/ohtani-commissioner-s-historic-achievement-award |url-status=live}} who formally recognized Ohtani's 2021 season as "historically significant" and "unprecedented", calling it "so special that it was important to recognize the historic achievement that took place in 2021 with an award just about 2021." Ohtani was offered Japan's national honor, the People's Honour Award, by the Prime Minister of Japan in recognition of his accomplishments, but Ohtani rejected it, saying it was "still too early" for such an award.{{Cite web |last=Lies |first=Elaine |date=November 21, 2021 |title=Japan floated idea of national honour for MLB's Ohtani, but he declined |url=https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/japan-floated-idea-national-honour-mlbs-ohtani-he-declined-2021-11-22/ |access-date=June 1, 2022 |work=Reuters |language=en |archive-date=July 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701031417/https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/japan-floated-idea-national-honour-mlbs-ohtani-he-declined-2021-11-22/ |url-status=live}} On December 22, The Sporting News released the article "The 50 greatest seasons in sports history, ranked". In it, Ohtani's 2021 season was ranked No.1, topping great seasons by athletes such as Babe Ruth, Michael Jordan, Tom Brady, Wayne Gretzky, and Lionel Messi.{{Cite web |last=Fagan |first=Ryan |date=December 22, 2021 |title=The 50 greatest seasons in sports history, ranked |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/mlb/news/the-50-greatest-seasons-in-sports-history-ranked/15wlgl5yadj8n1txu6fqkun531 |access-date=December 27, 2021 |website=Sporting News |archive-date=December 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211226220106/https://www.sportingnews.com/us/mlb/news/the-50-greatest-seasons-in-sports-history-ranked/15wlgl5yadj8n1txu6fqkun531 |url-status=live}}

File: Shohei Ohtani (52251755266) (cropped).jpg

{{see also|2022 Los Angeles Angels season}}

On March 22, 2022, Major League Baseball introduced a new rule that allows for a pitcher in the batting order to remain in the game as a designated hitter after they are pulled from the pitching mound, colloquially dubbed the "Ohtani rule".{{cite news |last1=Baer |first1=Jack |title=MLB adds Shohei Ohtani rule to universal DH |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb-adds-shohei-ohtani-rule-to-universal-dh-223355459.html |access-date=March 23, 2022 |work=Yahoo! Sports |date=March 22, 2022 |archive-date=September 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928204245/https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb-adds-shohei-ohtani-rule-to-universal-dh-223355459.html |url-status=live}} The Angels named him as the Opening Day starting pitcher{{Cite web |last=Bollinger |first=Rhett |date=March 25, 2022 |title=Opening Day Sho-time! Ohtani to pitch 1st |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-angels-opening-day-starter-2022 |access-date=March 25, 2022 |publisher=Major League Baseball |archive-date=March 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325165418/https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-angels-opening-day-starter-2022 |url-status=live}} and he pitched {{frac|4|2|3}} innings against the Houston Astros, allowing one earned run and one walk while striking out nine.{{cite news |last1=Gonzalez |first1=Alden |title=Los Angeles Angels' Shohei Ohtani strikes out nine, hitless at plate in loss to Astros |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/33695595/los-angeles-angels-shohei-ohtani-strikes-nine-hitless-plate-loss-astros |access-date=April 8, 2022 |publisher=ESPN |date=April 7, 2022 |archive-date=September 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928021952/https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/33695595/los-angeles-angels-shohei-ohtani-strikes-nine-hitless-plate-loss-astros |url-status=live}} He became the first player in MLB history to start Opening Day as both the starting pitcher and the leadoff hitter.{{cite web |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/ohtani-first-to-throw-pitch-lead-off-to-start-season |title=What else is new? Ohtani makes more history |first=Rhett |last=Bollinger |publisher=Major League Baseball |date=April 7, 2022 |access-date=April 8, 2022 |archive-date=September 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929040714/https://www.mlb.com/news/ohtani-first-to-throw-pitch-lead-off-to-start-season |url-status=live}}

Ohtani recorded two home runs, including a grand slam, on May 9, against the Tampa Bay Rays, marking the second time of the season and the eighth time in his career for Ohtani to record a multi-homer game, surpassing Ichiro Suzuki for the most by a Japanese-born player in MLB history,{{Cite web |date=May 10, 2022 |title=Shohei Ohtani went yard twice on Monday for his 8th career multi-HR game, breaking a tie with Ichiro for the most multi-HR games by a Japanese-born player in MLB history. |url=https://twitter.com/ESPNStatsInfo/status/1523969847960371201 |access-date=May 10, 2022 |via=Twitter |publisher=ESPNStatsInfo |archive-date=May 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220510101541/https://twitter.com/ESPNStatsInfo/status/1523969847960371201 |url-status=live}} The grand slam was the first of his professional career, including both NPB and MLB.{{cite news |last1=Bollinger |first1=Rhett |title='Having the most fun right now': Ohtani hits first slam as a pro |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-hits-first-career-grand-slam |access-date=May 10, 2022 |publisher=Major League Baseball |date=May 9, 2022 |archive-date=May 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220510064459/https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-hits-first-career-grand-slam |url-status=live}} On May 14, he hit his 100th career MLB home run, making him the third Japanese-born player with at least 100 homers in the majors, trailing only Hideki Matsui with 175 and Suzuki with 117. Ohtani also joined Babe Ruth as the only players with at least 100 home runs and at least 250 strikeouts as a pitcher.{{cite news |last1=Bollinger |first1=Rhett |title=Ohtani becomes third Japanese player to join 100-homer club |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-hits-100th-home-run-in-mlb |access-date=May 15, 2022 |publisher=Major League Baseball |date=May 15, 2022 |archive-date=June 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220607223838/https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-hits-100th-home-run-in-mlb |url-status=live}}

On June 9, Ohtani hit a go-ahead two-run home run and pitched seven innings, including throwing a 101 mph fastball to strike out Rafael Devers to end the third – the hardest strikeout pitch of his career, in a win over the Boston Red Sox to end the Angels' 14-game losing streak, the longest in franchise history.{{cite news |last1=Wexler |first1=Sarah |title=Sho-stopper: Ohtani does it all as Halos end skid |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-homers-throws-gem-as-angels-end-losing-streak |access-date=June 23, 2022 |publisher=Major League Baseball |date=June 9, 2022 |archive-date=June 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220623093356/https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-homers-throws-gem-as-angels-end-losing-streak |url-status=live}} The victory resulted in a six-game pitching span from June 9 to July 13, where Ohtani went 6–0 with a 0.45 ERA (39.2 IP & 2 ER) and 58 strikeouts, (while also hitting eight HR with a .997 OPS), while becoming the fourth pitcher all-time to go 6–0 with 58+ SO and 2-or-fewer ER in a six-game span, joining Cy Young winners Johan Santana (2004), R.A. Dickey (2012) and Clayton Kershaw (2014).{{cite web |url=https://www.mlb.com/press-release/press-release-shohei-ohtani-s-2022-season-in-review |title=Shohei Ohtani – making history |first=Rhett |last=Bollinger |publisher=Major League Baseball |date=October 6, 2022 |access-date=October 7, 2022 |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006222304/https://www.mlb.com/press-release/press-release-shohei-ohtani-s-2022-season-in-review |url-status=live}}

In a two-game span from June 21–22, 2022, Ohtani made MLB history by becoming the first player in the American League or National League to have at least eight RBIs in a game and strike out at least 10 batters the next day.{{cite news |last1=Bollinger |first1=Rhett |title=Historic 2-game Sho: 8 RBIs, new-high 13 K's! |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-strikes-out-career-high-13-vs-royals |access-date=June 23, 2022 |publisher=Major League Baseball |date=June 22, 2022 |archive-date=October 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221002060327/https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-strikes-out-career-high-13-vs-royals |url-status=live}} On June 21, Ohtani hit a pair of three-run homers and set a career-high with eight RBIs, becoming the first player born in Japan to have eight RBI in a game and just the eighth player in Angels history to have eight RBIs in a game. Ohtani's eight RBIs were the most by an Angels player since Garret Anderson had a franchise-record 10 RBIs against the New York Yankees on August 21, 2007. It was also the most RBIs in a game by a Japanese-born player, surpassing seven-RBI games from Matsui in 2009 and Tadahito Iguchi in 2006.{{cite news |last1=Bollinger |first1=Rhett |title=Sho stunner: Two HRs, career-high 8(!) RBIs |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-homers-twice-career-high-8-rbis |access-date=June 23, 2022 |publisher=Major League Baseball |date=June 22, 2022 |archive-date=June 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220623043047/https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-homers-twice-career-high-8-rbis |url-status=live}}

On July 6, 2022, against the Miami Marlins, Ohtani made MLB history again by becoming the first player since RBI became an official statistic in 1920 to record 10 strikeouts as a pitcher, two RBIs as a batter, and a stolen base all in a single game.{{cite news |last1=Leckie |first1=Paige |title='He can't quench his thirst': Ohtani's latest act another marvel |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-strikes-out-10-hits-winning-single-in-miami |access-date=July 7, 2022 |publisher=Major League Baseball |date=July 6, 2022 |archive-date=July 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220707042230/https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-strikes-out-10-hits-winning-single-in-miami |url-status=live}} His 111 strikeouts over 81 innings pitched in the game made him the first Angels pitcher to record 110 K's in the first half in fewer than 100 innings and the first Angels pitcher to 110 K's in the first half since Garrett Richards in 2014. He also became the fourth Angels player with multiple seasons of 15 home runs and 10 stolen bases before the All-Star break and the eighth Major Leaguer since earned runs were official in 1913 to record 40-plus strikeouts and zero earned runs in a four-start span.

For a second straight year, Ohtani was voted into All-Star Game by fans as the starter at the designated hitter position{{cite web |last=Bollinger |first=Rhett |date=July 8, 2022 |title=Ohtani, Trout win starting spots for AL at ASG |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-mike-trout-named-2022-all-star-game-starters |access-date=July 15, 2022 |publisher=Major League Baseball |archive-date=July 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220709125246/https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-mike-trout-named-2022-all-star-game-starters |url-status=live}} and he was selected as a starting pitcher again.{{cite web |last=Bollinger |first=Rhett |date=July 10, 2022 |title=History repeats: Ohtani a two-way All-Star again |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-named-an-al-all-star-as-pitcher |access-date=July 15, 2022 |publisher=Major League Baseball |archive-date=July 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220712010702/https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-named-an-al-all-star-as-pitcher |url-status=live}} Ohtani announced; however, that he would only participate as a hitter in the All-Star Game, even though he was considered as a candidate to start for the AL team. He declined to pitch, citing a scheduling conflict and his preference to "prioritize the season over the All-Star Game."{{cite web |last=Bollinger |first=Rhett |date=July 18, 2022 |title=Ohtani to slug – but not pitch – in All-Star Game |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-will-not-pitch-in-2022-all-star-game |access-date=August 11, 2022 |publisher=Major League Baseball |archive-date=August 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220812000814/https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-will-not-pitch-in-2022-all-star-game |url-status=live}}

In a game against the Oakland Athletics where he pitched and hit, Ohtani completed three historical feats on August 9, 2022. Ohtani joined Babe Ruth in an exclusive 10-homer, 10-win club; moved up on the all-time home run list for Japanese-born players; and set a single-season career high in strikeouts. Ohtani tossed six scoreless innings to earn his 10th win of the season for the first time in his Major League career. He and Ruth are the only two players in AL and NL history to win at least 10 games on the mound and hit at least 10 home runs in the same season. Ed Rile and Bullet Rogan also accomplished this feat in the Negro leagues as well. Ohtani's 25th home run of the season was his 118th career home run, which surpassed Ichiro Suzuki's 117 career home runs to become second place on the all-time Major League home run list for Japanese-born players. Ohtani's five strikeouts in the game brought him to 157 on the season, a new single-season high eclipsing his 2021 total of 156. Combined with his playing days in Nippon Professional Baseball, Ohtani reached 1,000 strikeouts between NPB (624) and MLB (379).{{cite web |last=Chen |first=Sonja |date=August 10, 2022 |title=Quite a Sho: Ohtani ties Ruth, passes Ichiro in same game |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-ties-babe-ruth-passes-ichiro-in-win-vs-athletics |access-date=August 11, 2022 |publisher=Major League Baseball |archive-date=August 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220810204325/https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-ties-babe-ruth-passes-ichiro-in-win-vs-athletics |url-status=live}}

The Angels avoided arbitration with Ohtani on October 1, signing him to a one-year deal worth $30 million for the 2023 season. At $30 million, the deal set a new record for a player in his third year of arbitration, surpassing the $27 million Mookie Betts received before the 2020 season, and also gave Ohtani the biggest salary raise of any arbitration-eligible player until (Juan Soto broke it with $30.1 million); a $24.5 million raise from his 2022 salary of $5.5 million and $3 million of 2021.{{cite web |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-signs-one-year-30-million-deal |title=Ohtani inks $30M deal for '23, gets 2 awards, extends career-best hit streak |first=Rhett |last=Bollinger |publisher=Major League Baseball |date=October 1, 2022 |access-date=October 7, 2022 |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006072001/https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-signs-one-year-30-million-deal |url-status=live}}

Ohtani finished his 2022 season with a 15–9 record, a 2.33 ERA, and 219 strikeouts in 166 innings. He also hit .273/.356/.519 with 34 homers, 30 doubles, 11 stolen bases, and 95 RBIs in 157 games. Among AL pitchers, Ohtani finished the year first in SO/9 innings rate (11.87), third in strikeouts (219), fourth in ERA (2.33) and tied for fourth in wins (15), while amongst AL hitters, Ohtani ranked fourth in homers (34), fifth in OPS (.875), fifth in total bases (304), third in intentional walks (14), tied for third in extra-base hits (70), fifth in slugging (.519), tied for fourth in triples (6), seventh in RBIs (95), seventh in walks (72), and tied for eighth in runs (90). Ohtani also led the majors with a home-to-first average time of 4.09 seconds and was the only player in the majors to tally at least six triples and 34 home runs in 2022 (making him the only player to do so in a second consecutive year). He hit a ball with the highest exit velocity in major league baseball for the season, at 119.1 mph.{{Cite web |title=Major League Leaderboards » 2022 » Batters » Statcast - Exit Velocity |url=https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=y&type=24&season=2022&month=0&season1=2022&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&startdate=2022-01-01&enddate=2022-12-31&sort=6,d |access-date=April 30, 2023 |website=FanGraphs Baseball |archive-date=October 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221024215127/https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=y&type=24&season=2022&month=0&season1=2022&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&startdate=2022-01-01&enddate=2022-12-31&sort=6,d |url-status=live}} He also had the fastest speed running from home plate to first base, at 4.09 seconds.{{Cite web |title=Statcast Custom Leaderboards - HP to 1B |url=https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/leaderboard/custom?year=2022&type=batter&filter=&sort=8&sortDir=des&min=q&selections=rel_league_reaction_distance,rel_league_burst_distance,rel_league_routing_distance,rel_league_bootup_distance,f_bootup_distance,n_bolts,hp_to_1b,sprint_speed,&chart=false&x=rel_league_reaction_distance&y=rel_league_reaction_distance&r=no&chartType=beeswarm |access-date=April 30, 2023 |website=Baseball Savant |archive-date=May 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230501023437/https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/leaderboard/custom?year=2022&type=batter&filter=&sort=8&sortDir=des&min=q&selections=rel_league_reaction_distance,rel_league_burst_distance,rel_league_routing_distance,rel_league_bootup_distance,f_bootup_distance,n_bolts,hp_to_1b,sprint_speed,&chart=false&x=rel_league_reaction_distance&y=rel_league_reaction_distance&r=no&chartType=beeswarm |url-status=live}} He was once again named as both the team's Los Angeles Angels Player and Pitcher of the Year, won a second straight Edgar Martínez Outstanding Designated Hitter Award,{{cite web |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-wins-outstanding-dh-award-2022 |title=Ohtani honored with 2nd straight Outstanding DH Award |first=Rhett |last=Bollinger |publisher=Major League Baseball |date=November 28, 2022 |access-date=February 7, 2024 |archive-date=February 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201223736/https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-wins-outstanding-dh-award-2022 |url-status=live}} and was runner-up for the American League Most Valuable Player Award.{{cite web |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-runner-up-for-al-mvp-award-2022 |title=Ohtani finishes 2nd for AL MVP Award |first=Rhett |last=Bollinger |publisher=Major League Baseball |date=November 17, 2022 |access-date=February 7, 2024 |archive-date=February 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230206000525/https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-runner-up-for-al-mvp-award-2022 |url-status=live}}

{{see also|2023 Los Angeles Angels season}}

Fresh off being named the Most Valuable Player of the 2023 World Baseball Classic, Ohtani made his second straight Opening Day start for the Angels' while batting third in the lineup against the Athletics on March 30.{{Cite web |last=Bollinger |first=Rhett |date=March 24, 2023 |title=Angels-A's Opening Day starting pitchers: Ohtani vs. Muller |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/angels-athletics-2023-opening-day-starting-pitchers |access-date=October 9, 2023 |publisher=Major League Baseball |archive-date=October 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231019023431/https://www.mlb.com/news/angels-athletics-2023-opening-day-starting-pitchers |url-status=live}} On May 10, he struck out Jeremy Peña of the Astros for his 502nd career pitching strikeout, passing Babe Ruth on the all-time strikeout list. With the feat, he also set the record for most pitching strikeouts by a player with 100 home runs.{{Cite web |last=Perry |first=Dayn |date=May 10, 2023 |title=Shohei Ohtani passes Babe Ruth to set a record for most pitching strikeouts by a player with 100 homers |url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/shohei-ohtani-passes-babe-ruth-to-set-record-for-most-pitching-strikeouts-by-a-player-with-100-homers/ |access-date=May 21, 2023 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en |archive-date=May 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230522045712/https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/shohei-ohtani-passes-babe-ruth-to-set-record-for-most-pitching-strikeouts-by-a-player-with-100-homers/ |url-status=live}}

Ohtani was named AL Player of the Week for the fifth time in his career after hitting six home runs, going .435 (10-for-23), 12 RBIs, 10 walks and a 1.893 OPS over seven games from June 12 to 18, 2023, at the plate and picking up a win as starting pitcher on June 15, 2023, against the Texas Rangers. At the time, he was leading MLB in homers (24), RBIs (58), and total bases (175) while slashing .300/.384/.632 .{{Cite web |last=Bollinger |first=Rhett |date=June 20, 2023 |title=Players of the Week: Ohtani, Harris honored |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-michael-harris-ii-are-players-of-the-week |access-date=October 9, 2023 |publisher=Major League Baseball |archive-date=June 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230620230850/https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-michael-harris-ii-are-players-of-the-week |url-status=live}} The honor would also

tie him with Suzuki for the most by a Japanese-born player.{{Cite web |date=June 21, 2023 |title=Shohei Ohtani named AL Player of the Week for the fifth time |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2023/06/21/baseball/mlb/ohtani-al-potw-5th/ |access-date=October 9, 2023 |website=japantimes.co.jp |archive-date=October 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231019023430/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2023/06/21/baseball/mlb/ohtani-al-potw-5th/ |url-status=live}}

Ohtani would finish the month of June by winning his sixth career AL Player of the Week award, surpassing Suzuki for the most by a Japanese-born player, after hitting six home runs with a 1.783 OPS over a seven-day span from June 26 to July 2, 2023, including a career-long 493-foot home run, the longest homer in the 2023 MLB season;{{Cite web |date=July 3, 2023 |title=Acuña is NL Player of the Week; Ohtani, Germán share AL honor |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-domingo-german-ronald-acuna-jr-players-of-the-week |access-date=October 9, 2023 |publisher=Major League Baseball |archive-date=July 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230703234149/https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-domingo-german-ronald-acuna-jr-players-of-the-week |url-status=live}} as well as winning his third career American League Player of the Month for June.{{Cite web |date=July 3, 2023 |title=MVP favorites headline monthly awards for June |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-june-2023-monthly-award-winners-announced |access-date=October 9, 2023 |publisher=Major League Baseball |archive-date=July 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230704020056/https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-june-2023-monthly-award-winners-announced |url-status=live}} His performance in June was considered to be the best June in MLB history, as over 126 plate appearances, he batted .394 and led the major leagues in on-base percentage (.492), slugging percentage (.952), OPS (1.444), home runs (15), RBIs (29), extra-base hits (25) and total bases (99). He also threw 30⅓ sterling innings, with a 3.26 ERA, 37 strikeouts, and an opponent slash line of .228/.302/.368 as a starting pitcher.{{Cite web |last=Snyder |first=Matt |date=July 1, 2023 |title=Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani just had the best June in MLB history — yes, even better than Babe Ruth |url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/angels-superstar-shohei-ohtani-just-had-the-best-june-in-mlb-history-yes-even-better-than-babe-ruth/ |access-date=October 9, 2023 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en |archive-date=September 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230929181543/https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/angels-superstar-shohei-ohtani-just-had-the-best-june-in-mlb-history-yes-even-better-than-babe-ruth/ |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Passan |first=Jeff |date=July 5, 2023 |title=Did Shohei Ohtani just have the best month in MLB history? |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/insider/insider/story/_/id/37955311/mlb-2023-shohei-ohtani-june-best-month-mlb-history |access-date=October 9, 2023 |publisher=ESPN |language=en |archive-date=October 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231019023430/https://www.espn.com/mlb/insider/insider/story/_/id/37955311/mlb-2023-shohei-ohtani-june-best-month-mlb-history |url-status=live}}

Ohtani earned an automatic spot on the 2023 All-Star roster after being the leading vote-getter in the American League All-Star ballot during Phase 1 of fan voting, received 2,646,307 votes as the starter in the DH position.{{Cite web |last=Bollinger |first=Rhett |date=June 22, 2023 |title=Ohtani to start at DH in All-Star Game as leading AL vote-getter |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-2023-all-star-game-starter-at-designated-hitter |access-date=October 4, 2023 |publisher=Major League Baseball |language=en |archive-date=July 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230706150409/https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-2023-all-star-game-starter-at-designated-hitter |url-status=live}} He was also elected as an All-Star pitcher for the American League, making it the third straight year Ohtani was named an All-Star as both a pitcher and a DH.{{Cite web |last=Bollinger |first=Rhett |date=July 2, 2023 |title=Ohtani again taking two-way talents to All-Star Game |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-two-way-all-star-for-3rd-straight-year |access-date=October 4, 2023 |publisher=Major League Baseball |language=en |archive-date=October 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231006233530/https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-two-way-all-star-for-3rd-straight-year |url-status=live}} He would enter the All-Star Game with 30+ homers for the second time in his career, having hit 33 previously in 2021. Like 2022, Ohtani opted to participate only as a hitter in the All-Star Game and not pitch due to a blister.{{cite web |last=Bollinger |first=Rhett |date=July 10, 2023 |title=Ohtani, Estévez rep Angels at All-Star Game |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/angels-shohei-ohtani-to-be-joined-by-carlos-estevez-at-all-star-game |access-date=October 4, 2023 |publisher=Major League Baseball |archive-date=October 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231006233529/https://www.mlb.com/news/angels-shohei-ohtani-to-be-joined-by-carlos-estevez-at-all-star-game |url-status=live}}

On July 27, Ohtani pitched a complete-game shutout during game one of a doubleheader against the Detroit Tigers, recording his first complete game (and shutout) of his MLB career. He struck out eight batters and walked three, allowing just one single. He later went on to hit two home runs during game two.{{Cite web |last=Klemish |first=Dawn |date=July 27, 2023 |title=Off trade block, Ohtani lifts Halos toward October |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-hits-multiple-homers-after-throwing-1-hitter |access-date=July 28, 2023 |publisher=Major League Baseball |language=en |archive-date=July 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230728040902/https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-hits-multiple-homers-after-throwing-1-hitter |url-status=live}} For July, Ohtani earned his seventh career AL Player of the Week award{{Cite web |last=Murphy |first=Brian |date=July 31, 2023 |title=Ohtani, Alonso named Players of the Week |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-pete-alonso-named-players-of-the-week |access-date=October 9, 2023 |website=Major League Baseball}} and fourth career American League Player of the Month.{{Cite web |date=August 2, 2023 |title=Monthly award winners for July announced |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-july-2023-monthly-award-winners |access-date=October 9, 2023 |publisher=Major League Baseball |archive-date=August 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230802233809/https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-july-2023-monthly-award-winners |url-status=live}}

Ohtani recorded his second career grand slam and his 43rd home run in a loss against the Rays on August 19.{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=RJ |date=August 19, 2023 |title=Shohei Ohtani hits grand slam, Angels turn triple play but lose in extra innings against the Rays |url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/shohei-ohtani-hits-grand-slam-angels-turn-triple-play-but-lose-in-extra-innings-against-the-rays/ |access-date=October 6, 2023 |publisher=Major League Baseball |language=en |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008030814/https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/shohei-ohtani-hits-grand-slam-angels-turn-triple-play-but-lose-in-extra-innings-against-the-rays/ |url-status=live}} On August 23, he hit his 44th home run of the 2023 season but was removed from his start against the Cincinnati Reds after 1⅓ inning after experiencing what was initially reported as arm fatigue. It was later revealed that Ohtani would not pitch for the rest of the 2023 season and the 2024 season after suffering a ulnar collateral ligament tear in his right elbow. He finished his 2023 season on the mound with a 10–5 record, posting a 3.14 ERA and striking out 167 batters.{{Cite web |last=Bollinger |first=Rhett |date=August 23, 2023 |title=Ohtani has UCL tear, won't pitch again in '23 |url=https://www.mlb.com/angels/news/shohei-ohtani-has-tear-in-ucl |access-date=October 4, 2023 |publisher=Major League Baseball |language=en |archive-date=August 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230824070947/https://www.mlb.com/angels/news/shohei-ohtani-has-tear-in-ucl |url-status=live}} On September 16, he was ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering an oblique strain. He received elbow surgery performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache on September 19, 2023, to address the UCL tear in his right elbow.{{Cite web |last=Bollinger |first=Rhett |date=September 19, 2023 |title=Ohtani has elbow surgery, expected to hit in '24, pitch by '25 |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-surgery-update |access-date=October 4, 2023 |publisher=Major League Baseball |language=en |archive-date=October 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231006233527/https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-surgery-update |url-status=live}}

In 135 games as a hitter, he batted .304/.412/.654 with 44 home runs, 95 RBI, and 20 stolen bases.{{Cite web |last=Gonzalez |first=Alden |date=September 16, 2023 |title=Angels' Shohei Ohtani out for season; elbow procedure soon |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/38413922/angels-shohei-ohtani-oblique-officially-season?platform=amp |access-date=September 17, 2023 |publisher=ESPN |language=en |archive-date=October 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003025032/https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/38413922/angels-shohei-ohtani-oblique-officially-season?platform=amp |url-status=live}} Ohtani ended the 2023 regular season as the first Japanese-born player to lead a U.S. major league in home runs, capturing the American League title with 44 home runs.{{Cite web |date=October 2, 2023 |title=Ohtani becomes first Japanese MLB home-run champion |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2023/10/02/baseball/mlb/ohtani-home-run-champion |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003024547/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2023/10/02/baseball/mlb/ohtani-home-run-champion/ |archive-date=October 3, 2023 |access-date=October 2, 2023 |work=The Japan Times}} Ohtani led the league with a wins above replacement (WAR) value of 10.1, slugging percentage (.654), OPS (1.066), adjusted OPS+ (184), offensive win percentage (.810), and finished second in on-base percentage (.416), fourth in home runs (44), ninth in batting average (.304), fifth in triples (eight), second in intentional walks (21), second in adjusted batting wins (5.8), second in adjusted batting runs (60), fifth in extra-base hits (78), fifth in runs created (138), and tenth in walks (91).

For the second time in his career, Ohtani was unanimously voted the American League Most Valuable Player, becoming the first player in MLB history to win MVP by unanimous vote twice. He was also named to the 2023 All-MLB Team, becoming the first player to ever be named to both first teams in the same season (as a designated hitter and starting pitcher respectively).{{Cite news |last=Casella |first=Paul |date=December 16, 2023 |title=Here are your 2023 All-MLB First and Second Team winners |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/2023-all-mlb-teams-unveiled |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231217000929/https://www.mlb.com/news/2023-all-mlb-teams-unveiled |archive-date=December 17, 2023 |access-date=December 17, 2023 |work=MLB.com |language=en}} He won his third straight Edgar Martínez Outstanding Designated Hitter Award,{{Cite news |last=Bollinger |first=Rhett |date=November 30, 2023 |title=Three-peat! Ohtani wins Outstanding DH Award again |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-most-outstanding-designated-hitter-2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218093806/https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-most-outstanding-designated-hitter-2023 |archive-date=December 18, 2023 |access-date=December 18, 2023 |work=MLB.com |language=en}} his second Silver Slugger Award for being the best offensive player at the designated hitter position in the American League,{{Cite news |date=November 9, 2023 |title=Shohei Ohtani wins 2023 Silver Slugger Award |url=https://www.mlb.com/press-release/press-release-shohei-ohtani-wins-2023-silver-slugger-award |website=MLB.com |language=en |access-date=December 18, 2023 |archive-date=December 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218093806/https://www.mlb.com/press-release/press-release-shohei-ohtani-wins-2023-silver-slugger-award |url-status=live}} and his first career AL Hank Aaron Award.{{Cite news |first1=Casella |last1=Paul |date=December 16, 2023 |title=Ohtani, Acuña pad trophy cases with Hank Aaron Awards |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-ronald-acuna-jr-win-2023-hank-aaron-award |website=MLB.com |language=en |access-date=December 18, 2023 |archive-date=December 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218092951/https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-ronald-acuna-jr-win-2023-hank-aaron-award |url-status=live}} For the third straight year, the Angels announced that Ohtani was once again the team's Los Angeles Angels Player of the Year of 2023, as voted by his teammates.{{Cite news |date=October 1, 2023 |title=Shohei Ohtani named Angels' team MVP for third straight year |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2023/10/01/baseball/mlb/ohtani-angels-team-mvp/ |website=japantimes.co.jp |language=en |access-date=December 18, 2023 |archive-date=December 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218092951/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2023/10/01/baseball/mlb/ohtani-angels-team-mvp/ |url-status=live}} Ohtani won his second Associated Press AP Athlete of the Year, joining a group of 11 male athletes to have received the honor multiple times,{{Cite web |last=Murphy |first=Brian |date=December 23, 2023 |title=Ohtani wins 2nd AP Top Male Athlete honor in 3 years |website=MLB.com |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-wins-ap-male-athlete-of-the-year-2023 |access-date=December 26, 2023 |archive-date=December 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226232416/https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-wins-ap-male-athlete-of-the-year-2023 |url-status=live}} and his second Baseball America Major League Player of the Year honor.{{Cite news |date=October 2, 2023 |title=Better Than Babe: Shohei Ohtani Shatters Precedent As 2023 MLB Player Of The Year |url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/better-than-babe-shohei-ohtani-shatters-precedent-as-2023-mlb-player-of-the-year/ |website=BaseballAmerica.com |language=en |access-date=December 18, 2023 |archive-date=December 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218092951/https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/better-than-babe-shohei-ohtani-shatters-precedent-as-2023-mlb-player-of-the-year/ |url-status=live}} From his MLB peers, he was awarded his second Players Choice American League Outstanding Player Award.{{Cite news |date=November 2, 2023 |title=Players Choice Award winners earned admiration of peers |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/2023-players-choice-award-winners-announced |website=MLB.com |language=en |access-date=December 18, 2023 |archive-date=December 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218092951/https://www.mlb.com/news/2023-players-choice-award-winners-announced |url-status=live}} Ohtani's contract expired after the 2023 season and he became a free agent for the first time in his career.{{cite web |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/2023-24-mlb-free-agents-by-team |title=Here are the 2023-24 free agents for every team |publisher=Major League Baseball |access-date=November 2, 2023 |archive-date=November 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231102150833/https://www.mlb.com/news/2023-24-mlb-free-agents-by-team |url-status=live}}

On December 11, 2023, Ohtani signed a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the largest contract in professional sports history at the time. His wages were structured so that $68 million per season was deferred until after the deal's conclusion, to be paid out from 2034 to 2043.{{cite news|url=https://theathletic.com/5129506/2023/12/11/dodgers-shohei-ohtani-contract-deferrals/ |title=Shohei Ohtani to defer $68 million per year in unusual arrangement with Dodgers: Sources |work=The Athletic |date=December 11, 2023 |access-date=December 11, 2023 |first=Fabian and Evan Drellich |last=Ardaya |archive-date=December 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211235259/https://theathletic.com/5129506/2023/12/11/dodgers-shohei-ohtani-contract-deferrals/ |url-status=live}}

{{see also|2024 Los Angeles Dodgers season}}

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Because of his elbow injury and consequent surgery in September 2023, Ohtani and the Dodgers announced that he would not pitch in the 2024 season.{{Cite web |last=Brandt |first=David |date=2024-02-28 |title=Shohei Ohtani won't pitch this season after major elbow surgery, but he can still hit. Here's why |url=https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-dodgers-ohtani-injury-05310196c611770c4c5feaa4f3d16ba0 |access-date=2024-09-25 |website=AP News |language=en}} Ohtani debuted with the Dodgers as the designated hitter on March 20 against the San Diego Padres in Seoul, as part of the MLB Seoul Series.{{Cite web |last=Toribio |first=Juan |date=March 20, 2024 |title=Dodgers flex lineup strength with late comeback in Seoul opener |url=https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/dodgers-win-2024-seoul-series-game-1 |access-date=March 20, 2024 |website=MLB.com}} He hit his first home run as a Dodger against the San Francisco Giants on April 3, six years to the day after his first Major League home run.{{cite web | last=Toribio | first=Juan | title=Shohei Ohtani hits first home run with Dodgers | website=MLB.com | date=2024-04-04 | url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-hits-first-home-run-with-dodgers | access-date=2024-09-20}}{{cite web | last=Guardado | first=Maria | title=Shohei Ohtani hits first Major League home run | website=MLB.com | date=2018-04-04 | url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-hits-first-major-league-home-run-c270714474 | access-date=2024-09-20}} On April 21, Ohtani hit the 176th home run of his career, passing Hideki Matsui for the most by a Japanese player in MLB history,{{cite web |last=Wexler |first=Sarah |date=April 21, 2024 |title=Ohtani passes Matsui for most HRs by Japanese-born MLB player |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-sets-japanese-born-mlb-home-run-record?partnerID=mlbapp-iOS_article |access-date=April 21, 2024 |work=mlb.com}} and hit his 200th on July 13.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-hits-home-run-no-200-against-tigers|title=Ohtani reaches 200-homer milestone vs. Tigers|website=MLB.com|last=Kornacki|first=Steve|date=July 13, 2024|access-date=July 13, 2024}}

In the All-Star Game, he hit a three-run home run in the top of the third, scoring the National League's only runs and making him the first and only All-Star player with a win on the mound and a home run at the plate.{{cite tweet|user=MLB | title=Shohei Ohtani is the only player in MLB history to earn a win on the mound and hit a home run at the plate in his #AllStarGame career. 👑 |number=1813388193930101055 |date=July 16, 2024 |access-date=July 16, 2024}}{{cite web|last=Feinsand |first=Mark |title=Ohtani crushes 400-ft. HR, pulls off unprecedented All-Star feat |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-homers-in-2024-all-star-game |website=MLB.com |date=July 16, 2024 |access-date=August 28, 2024}}

On August 3, Ohtani joined the 30–30 club—30 home runs and 30 steals in a season—in his 108th game, becoming the third-fastest player in Major League history to do so.{{Cite web |last=Adler |first=David |date=August 4, 2024 |title=Ohtani among quickest in history to reach 30-30 milestone |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-first-30-30-season |access-date=2024-09-21 |website=MLB.com}} On August 23, Ohtani stole second base in the fourth inning and hit his first career walk-off home run: a grand slam off Colin Poche of the Tampa Bay Rays. His performance made him the fastest player to join the 40–40 club, accomplishing the feat in his 126th game of the season, beating Alfonso Soriano's 2006 record by 21 games.{{cite web |last=Glaser |first=Kyle |date=2024-08-24 |title=Shohei Ohtani joins the 40-40 club with a grand slam |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-40-40-club |access-date=2024-09-07 |website=MLB.com}}

In his September 19 game against the Miami Marlins, Ohtani set multiple MLB and Dodgers franchise records. Ohtani had six hits—a single, two doubles, and three home runs, for 10 RBI—and stole two bases in six at-bats.{{cite news |last=Axisa |first=Mike |date=2024-09-20 |title=Shohei Ohtani records first 50-50 season in MLB history: Dodgers superstar slugs 50 homers, steals 50 bases |url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/shohei-ohtani-records-first-50-50-season-in-mlb-history-dodgers-superstar-slugs-50-homers-steals-50-bags/ |work=CBS Sports}} He became the first and only player in MLB history to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season. He also became the 16th player in MLB history to reach 10 or more RBI in a single game, and the first since July 7, 2018.{{Cite news |first=Alden |last=Gonzalez |date=2024-09-19 |title=Ohtani breaks 50/50 barrier with 'greatest' game |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/41331747/dodgers-ohtani-first-50-50-player-major-league-history |access-date=2024-09-20 |website=ESPN |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Thames |first=Alanis |date=2024-09-20 |title=Shohei Ohtani surpasses 50-50 milestone in spectacular fashion with a 3-homer, 2-steal game |url=https://www.startribune.com/shohei-ohtani-steals-50th-base-hes-2-homers-away-from-mlbs-first-50-50-season/601147849 |access-date=2024-09-20 |website=Star Tribune |agency=Associated Press |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Ardaya |first=Fabian |date=2024-09-20 |title=Did Shohei Ohtani just play the single greatest baseball game ever? |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5781376/2024/09/20/shohei-ohtani-dodgers-best-game-ever/ |access-date=2024-09-20 |work=The Athletic |language=en-US |url-access=subscription}} He broke the Dodgers records for RBI in a game, passing James Loney and Gil Hodges (9),{{cite web |last1=Baer |first1=Jack |date=19 September 2024 |title=Shohei Ohtani reaches 50-50: Dodgers star makes MLB history |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/shohei-ohtani-reaches-50-50-dodgers-star-makes-mlb-history-225811281.html |access-date=19 September 2024 |website=Yahoo Sports |publisher=Yahoo}} and home runs in a season, passing Shawn Green (49).{{cite web |last=Torbio |first=Juan |title=Incomparable Ohtani creates 50-50 club of his own |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-reaches-50-homers-50-steals |website=MLB.com |date=September 19, 2024 |access-date=September 19, 2024}} Multiple media outlets and sports reporters called it "one of the greatest" single-game performances in history.{{Cite news |last=Castrovince |first=Anthony |date=September 19, 2024 |title=Best game ever? Ohtani pulls it off while reaching 50-50 |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-hits-3-homers-in-10-rbi-game-against-marlins |access-date=2024-09-20 |work=MLB.com |language=en}} On September 27, Ohtani became the first player in 23 years to tally 400 total bases in season, and next day, he broke Ichiro's record for most stolen bases in season by a Japanese-born player with 57.{{cite web | last=Henson | first=Steve | title=Shohei Ohtani finishes with 411 total bases, a number exceeded only 15 times in MLB history | website=Los Angeles Times | date=2024-09-27 | url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2024-09-27/shohei-ohtani-400-total-bases | access-date=2024-09-30}}{{Cite news |date=September 28, 2024 |title=Shohei Ohtani steals 57th base, most by Japanese-born player |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/shohei-ohtani-steals-57th-base-japanese-born-player/story?id=114307015 |access-date=2024-09-29 |work=ABC News}} Ohtani finished the season by playing in 159 games, with a .310 batting average, and a league leading 54 home runs and 130 RBI while stealing 59 bases.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=ohtansh01&t=b&year=2024|title=Shohei Ohtani 2024 Batting Gamelogs|work=Baseball Reference|accessdate=September 30, 2024}}

File:The White House - 54437612258.jpg in 2025 with the 2024 World Series championship Dodgers team.]]

Ohtani made his postseason debut on October 5, in Game 1 of the National League Division Series, hitting a game-tying three-run home run in his second at-bat.{{cite web|last=Anderson |first=R.J. |title=WATCH: Shohei Ohtani records first MLB playoff hit with game-tying three-run Dodgers home run vs. Padres |url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/watch-shohei-ohtani-records-first-mlb-playoff-hit-with-game-tying-three-run-dodgers-home-run-vs-padres/ |website=CBS Sports |date=October 5, 2024 |access-date=October 5, 2024}}{{cite web|last=Chen |first=Sonia |title=Ohtani DRILLS first postseason HR, adds epic bat-throw flourish |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-hits-first-mlb-playoff-home-run |website=MLB.com |date=October 6, 2024 |access-date=October 6, 2024}} He had four hits in 20 at-bats in that series while striking out 10 times.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/2024_NLDS2.shtml|title=2024 NL Division Series Los Angeles Dodgers over San Diego Padres (3-2)|work=Baseball Reference|accessdate=October 21, 2024}} In the National League Championship Series against the New York Mets, he performed better, with eight hits and two home runs in 22 at-bats to go along with nine walks and only seven strikeouts.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/2024_NLCS.shtml|title=2024 NLCS Los Angeles Dodgers over New York Mets (4-2)|work=Baseball Reference|accessdate=October 21, 2024}} His 17 times reaching base and nine runs scored in the series both set new franchise records for a postseason series.{{cite web|url=https://www.truebluela.com/2024/10/21/24275563/dodgers-postseason-records-nlcs|title=Dodgers postseason records set during the National League Championship Series|work=SB Nation|first=Eric|last=Stephen|date=October 21, 2024|accessdate=October 21, 2024}} The Dodgers claimed the National League pennant with the series win, sending the team and Ohtani to the World Series, the first such appearance for him in his career.{{cite web|last=Jain |first=Krutic |title=Shohei Ohtani to play his first World Series as Dodgers defeat Mets in NLCS |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/baseball/news-shohei-ohtani-play-first-world-series-dodgers-defeat-mets-nlcs |website=Sportskeeda |date=October 21, 2024 |access-date=October 21, 2024}} In Game 2 of the World Series, Ohtani suffered what was initially described as a left shoulder subluxation when he slid into second base on an attempted steal in the seventh inning.{{cite web|last=Toribio |first=Juan |title=Shohei Ohtani injures left shoulder in World Series Game 2 |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-injures-left-shoulder-in-world-series-game-2 |website=MLB.com |date=October 26, 2024 |access-date=October 27, 2024}} Despite the injury, he was back in the Dodgers lineup the following game.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-injury-update-world-series-game-3-lineup|title=Ohtani starts, scores while protecting shoulder on bases|work=mlb.com|first=Juan|last=Toribio|date=October 28, 2024|accessdate=October 30, 2024}} He had only two hits in 19 at-bats in the series, with a double, two walks and five strikeouts.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/2024_WS.shtml|title=2024 World Series Los Angeles Dodgers over New York Yankees (4-1)|work=Baseball Reference|accessdate=October 31, 2024}} The Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees in five games, giving Ohtani his first career World Series championship.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/mlb/shohei-ohtani-has-wholesome-reaction-to-winning-his-first-world-series-with-dodgers|title=Shohei Ohtani Has Wholesome Reaction to Winning His First World Series|date=October 30, 2024|access-date=October 31, 2024|magazine=Sports Illustrated|last=Williams|first=Madison}} After the season, it was revealed that the injury he suffered in Game 2 of the World Series was actually a torn labrum in his left shoulder, for which he underwent surgery upon the conclusion of the series.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/shohei-ohtani-left-shoulder-surgery|title=Ohtani undergoes shoulder surgery, expected to be ready for spring|first=Sonja|last=Chen|work=mlb.com|date=November 5, 2024|accessdate=November 6, 2024}}

After the 2024 season, with his 50–50 performance, Ohtani won the National League Most Valuable Player award unanimously. It was his third career unanimous MVP award, second consecutive unanimous MVP award, and his first in the National League. With this distinction, he became the first and only player in Major League Baseball history to win three MVP awards unanimously, two consecutive unanimous MVP awards, and unanimous MVP awards in both the American and National leagues. Additionally, he became the second player after Frank Robinson to win MVP awards in both leagues.{{cite web|last=Castrovince |first=Anthony |title=Unanimous MVPs Judge, Ohtani made it a no-doubter with historic seasons |url=https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/mlb-mvp-award-winners-2024 |website=MLB.com |date=November 21, 2024 |access-date=November 21, 2024}} On December 23, Ohtani won his third AP Male Athlete of the Year award, tying Michael Jordan for the second-most wins in history.{{Cite web |date=December 23, 2024 |title=Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani wins 3rd AP Male Athlete of the Year award |url=https://www.espn.in/mlb/story/_/id/43124750/dodgers-shohei-ohtani-wins-3rd-ap-male-athlete-year-award |access-date=December 23, 2024 |website=ESPN|agency=Associated Press}}

Ohtani started his second year with the Dodgers as the designated hitter on March 18 against the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo, as part of the MLB Tokyo Series 2025, batting 2–for–5 with a double in his first game playing in Japan as a Major Leaguer.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-dodgers-beat-cubs-in-tokyo-series-2025-opener|title=Ohtani ignites Dodgers, keys winning rally in Tokyo Series Opener|first=Sonya|last=Chen|work=mlb.com|date=March 18, 2025|accessdate=March 18, 2025}} On the next night, he hit his first home run of the season off of relief pitcher Nate Pearson.{{cite web |title=Dodgers 6-3 Cubs (Mar 19, 2025) Game Recap |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/401694908 |website=ESPN |access-date=20 March 2025 |language=en}} On April 2, Ohtani went 3–for–4 with two singles and hit his second career walk-off home run: a solo home run off Raisel Iglesias of the Atlanta Braves in extra innings.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-hits-walk-off-homer-to-send-dodgers-to-8-0-start|title=8 and Oh-tani! Shohei walks it off as LA makes history|first=Sonya|last=Chen|work=mlb.com|date=April 2, 2025|accessdate=April 4, 2025}}

Ohtani was selected to Japan's Under-18 National Team that eventually finished in sixth place at the 2012 U-18 Baseball World Cup in Seoul.{{Cite web |title=XXV 18U Baseball World Championship 2012 |url=http://www.wbsc.org/en/events/2012-18u-baseball-world-championship/standings |access-date=May 23, 2022 |work=World Baseball Softball Confederation |archive-date=May 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516082855/https://www.wbsc.org/en/events/2012-18u-baseball-world-championship/standings |url-status=live}}

In the inaugural WBSC Premier12 tournament, Ohtani earned a bronze medal with the Japanese national team. He was the ace of Japan's pitching staff, which also featured Kenta Maeda. As the number one starter, Ohtani made two pitching appearances for Samurai Japan, both against Japan's arch-rival South Korea, winning Game 1 of the opening round and getting a no-decision in the semifinals. Ohtani was subsequently named to the 2015 World Baseball Softball Confederation All-World Team and was named the 2015 WBSC Baseball Player of the Year.{{Cite web |date=October 15, 2017 |title=WBSC names Annual Award winners: Baseball/Softball Player, Coach, Umpire and Federation of the Year |url=http://www.wbsc.org/wbsc-names-annual-award-winners-baseballsoftball-player-coach-umpire-and-federation-of-the-year/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716030545/https://www.wbsc.org/news/wbsc-names-annual-award-winners-baseballsoftball-player-coach-umpire-and-federation-of-the-year |archive-date=July 16, 2021 |access-date=October 10, 2017 |website=wbsc.org}}

Ohtani was on the 28-man roster for the Japan National Baseball Team of the 2017 World Baseball Classic, but was forced to withdraw due to an ankle injury.{{cite web |last1=Anderson |first1=R.J. |last2=Axisa |first2=Mike |date=February 3, 2017 |title=2017 World Baseball Classic: Shohei Otani, the player we all wanted to see, won't play |url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/2017-world-baseball-classic-shohei-otani-the-player-we-all-wanted-to-see-wont-play/ |access-date=December 6, 2017 |website=CBSports.com |archive-date=December 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171207012701/https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/2017-world-baseball-classic-shohei-otani-the-player-we-all-wanted-to-see-wont-play/ |url-status=live}}

Ohtani played for the Japan National Baseball Team in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.{{Cite web |last=Coskrey |first=Jason |date=March 8, 2023 |title=Shohei Ohtani ready to lead powerful Japan at World Baseball Classic. |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2023/03/08/baseball/japanese-baseball/wbc-samurai-japan-preview/ |access-date=March 11, 2023 |work=The Japan Times |archive-date=March 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311210652/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2023/03/08/baseball/japanese-baseball/wbc-samurai-japan-preview/ |url-status=live}} He was named the Pool B MVP for his hitting and pitching performances in the group stage of the tournament.{{Citation |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-named-2023-classic-pool-b-mvp |title=Dominant Ohtani named Classic Pool B MVP |first=Brian |last=Murphy |date=March 14, 2023 |publisher=Major League Baseball |access-date=March 15, 2023 |archive-date=March 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323110412/https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-named-2023-classic-pool-b-mvp |url-status=live}} He earned the save in the championship game after pitching the final inning of Japan's win over the US in the final, striking out his Los Angeles Angels teammate Mike Trout with a 3-2 slider to seal Japan's WBC championship, and won the tournament's MVP award after batting .435/.606/.739 as a hitter and posting a 1.86 ERA and 11 strikeouts in 9 2⁄3 innings as a pitcher.{{cite web |url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/world-baseball-classic-shohei-ohtani-awarded-wbc-mvp-after-closing-out-championship-in-japans-win-over-usa/ |title=World Baseball Classic: Shohei Ohtani awarded WBC MVP after closing out championship in Japan's win over USA |first=Mike |last=Axisa |work=CBS Sports |date=March 21, 2023 |access-date=March 21, 2023 |archive-date=March 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230322031240/https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/world-baseball-classic-shohei-ohtani-awarded-wbc-mvp-after-closing-out-championship-in-japans-win-over-usa/ |url-status=live}}

After helping Team Japan clinch its third WBC title, Ohtani became the only player to be named to the All-WBC team at two separate positions, having been named to the 2023 team as both a designated hitter and a pitcher.{{cite web |url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/2023-all-wbc-team-shohei-ohtani-selected-at-two-positions-mike-trout-trea-turner-randy-arozarena-make-cut/ |title=2023 All-WBC team: Shohei Ohtani selected at two positions; Mike Trout, Trea Turner, Randy Arozarena make cut |first=Mike |last=Axisa |work=CBS Sports |date=March 22, 2023 |access-date=December 26, 2023 |archive-date=February 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214084319/https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/2023-all-wbc-team-shohei-ohtani-selected-at-two-positions-mike-trout-trea-turner-randy-arozarena-make-cut/ |url-status=live}}

MLB

{{div col}}

• World Series champion ({{wsy|2024}})
• 2× American League Most Valuable Player (2021, 2023)
• National League Most Valuable Player (2024)
• Commissioner's Historic Achievement Award (2021)
• 4× American League Player of the Month (June 2021, July 2021, June 2023, July 2023)
• National League Player of the Month (September 2024)
• 7× American League Player of the Week (April 8, 2018; September 9, 2018; June 20, 2021; July 4, 2021; June 18, 2023; July 2, 2023; July 30, 2023)
• 4× National League Player of the Week (May 5, 2024; June 23, 2024; September 22, 2024; September 29, 2024)
• 7× All-MLB Team selection
• 5× All-MLB First Team (2021, 2022, 2023², 2024)
• 2× All-MLB Second Team (2021, 2022)
• 4× MLB All-Star selection (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)
• American League Rookie of the Year (2018)
• 2× Hank Aaron Award (2023, 2024)
• 3× Silver Slugger Award at Designated Hitter (2021, 2023, 2024)
• 4× Edgar Martínez Outstanding Designated Hitter Award (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)
• 3× Los Angeles Angels Player of the Year (2021, 2022, 2023)
• 2× Nick Adenhart Pitcher of the Year Award (2021, 2022)
• Players Choice Award for Player of the Year (2021)
• 2× Players Choice Award for American League Outstanding Player (2021, 2023)
• Players Choice Award for National League Outstanding Player (2024)

NPB

• Japan Series champion (2016)
• Pacific League Most Valuable Player (2016)
• 5× NPB All-Star selection (2013–2017)
• 3× Pacific League Best Nine (2015–2016²)
• Pacific League Battery Award (2015){{efn|Shared with Shōta Ōno.}}

National

• World Baseball Classic champion (2023)
• World Baseball Classic Most Valuable Player (2023)
• 2× All-World Baseball Classic Team selection (2023²)
• WBSC Premier12 bronze medalist (2015)
• WBSC All-World Team selection (2015)
• WBSC Player of the Year (2015){{cite web |date=October 16, 2017 |title=Shohei Otani named WBSC player of the year for 2015 |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2017/10/16/baseball/japanese-baseball/shohei-otani-named-wbsc-player-year-2015/ |access-date=July 6, 2021 |website=The Japan Times |language=en-US |archive-date=December 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208082757/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2017/10/16/baseball/japanese-baseball/shohei-otani-named-wbsc-player-year-2015/ |url-status=live}}
• 3× Japan Professional Sports Grand Prize (2016, 2018, 2023{{efn|As part of the Japan national baseball team.}})

Media

• 3× AP Male Athlete of the Year (2021, 2023, 2024)
• 2× Baseball America Major League Player of the Year (2021, 2023)
• Baseball America Rookie of the Year Award (2018)
• Baseball Digest Player of the Year (2021)
• 2× The Sporting News Athlete of the Year (2021, 2024)
• 2× The Sporting News MLB Player of the Year Award (2021, 2024)
• The Sporting News Rookie of the Year Award (2018)
• 5× ESPY Award winner
• 4× Best Major League Baseball Player (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)
• Best Male Athlete (2022)
• 2x Hickok Belt (2021, 2024)
• Topps All-Star Rookie Team (2018)
• Time 100 Most Influential People (2021){{cite web |last=Murphy |first=Brian |date=September 16, 2021 |title=Ohtani lands on Time's 100 list |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-named-to-time-100-list |access-date=October 3, 2024 |website=MLB}}

State/Local

• City stamp and postcard collection in Mizusawa, Iwate – 2023{{cite web |last=Elbaba |first=Julia |date=December 21, 2023 |title=Japan honors Shohei Ohtani with personal stamp and postcard collection |url=https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/sports/mlb/japan-honors-shohei-ohtani-with-personal-stamp-and-postcard-collection/3295994/ |access-date=October 3, 2024 |website=NBC Los Angeles}}
• May 17 recognised as the "Shohei Ohtani Day" in Los Angeles County, California – 2024{{cite web |last=Toribio |first=Juan |date=May 18, 2024 |title=Have a day! City of LA declares 'Shohei Ohtani Day,' then he crushes HR |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/city-of-los-angeles-names-may-17-shohei-ohtani-day |access-date=October 3, 2024 |website=MLB}}
• Special Japan Airlines A350-900 aircraft named the "Dream Sho Jet" – 2024{{cite web |date=September 27, 2024 |title=JAL's "DREAM MILES PASS": 892,440 km for Youth Dreams - Press Release |url=https://press.jal.co.jp/en/release/202409/008349.html |access-date=October 3, 2024 |website=Japan Airlines}}

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Ohtani is a {{convert|6|ft|3|in|adj=on}}, {{convert|210|lbs|adj=on}} right-handed starting pitcher.{{Cite web |title=Shohei Ohtani Stats, Fantasy & News |url=https://www.mlb.com/angels/player/shohei-ohtani-660271 |access-date=May 1, 2023 |publisher=Major League Baseball}} With an overhand delivery,{{cite web |title=早実・清宮の進路、東大・宮台に注目／来年ドラフト – 大学・社会人 : 日刊スポーツ |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/baseball/news/1727164.html |access-date=May 17, 2021 |website=nikkansports.com |language=ja |archive-date=December 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208083137/https://www.nikkansports.com/baseball/news/1727164.html |url-status=live}} he throws a four-seam fastball averaging {{convert|97|mph}} topping out at 102.5 mph (165 km/h),{{cite web |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2016/12/05/baseball/japanese-baseball/Otani-eyes-mlb-move-next-season/ |title=Otani eyes MLB move after next season |date=December 5, 2016 |access-date=March 21, 2018 |work=The Japan Times |archive-date=November 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191101061845/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2016/12/05/baseball/japanese-baseball/otani-eyes-mlb-move-next-season/ |url-status=live}} an {{convert|86|–|93|mph|adj=on}} forkball/split-finger fastball{{Cite web |date=April 18, 2018 |title=Baseball: Angels' Ohtani hammered, leaves with blister |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2018/04/b240c283068d-update1-baseball-angels-ohtani-hammered-leaves-with-blister.html |access-date=May 1, 2023 |work=Kyodo News+ |archive-date=September 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180927085659/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2018/04/b240c283068d-update1-baseball-angels-ohtani-hammered-leaves-with-blister.html |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Adler |first=David |date=May 5, 2021 |title=The most unhittable pitch in baseball is back |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-splitter-still-most-unhittable-pitch |access-date=June 1, 2022 |publisher=Major League Baseball |quote=We're talking about Shohei Ohtani's splitter. |archive-date=May 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520161817/https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-splitter-still-most-unhittable-pitch |url-status=live}} with late diving action,{{cite web |last=Ropp |first=Rudy |date=February 27, 2018 |title=Shohei Ohtani is making fantasy baseball leagues face difficult choices |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2018/02/27/shohei-ohtani-is-making-fantasy-baseball-leagues-face-difficult-choices/ |access-date=September 11, 2018 |work=OC Register |archive-date=September 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911225246/https://www.ocregister.com/2018/02/27/shohei-ohtani-is-making-fantasy-baseball-leagues-face-difficult-choices/ |url-status=live}} an occasional curveball, and a solid slider at {{convert|85|–|91|mph}}.{{cite web |last=Oelman |first=Marshall |date=October 20, 2016 |title=The Most Interesting Prospect in Baseball |url=http://www.scout.com/mlb/astros/story/1719342-the-most-interesting-prospect-in-baseball |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161225150159/http://www.scout.com/mlb/astros/story/1719342-the-most-interesting-prospect-in-baseball |archive-date=December 25, 2016 |access-date=December 24, 2016 |website=Scout.com}} He posted a walks per nine innings rate of 3.3 across his NPB career.{{cite web |title=Shohei Ohtani Japanese Leagues Statistics & History |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=otani-000sho |website=Baseball Reference |access-date=January 19, 2018 |archive-date=December 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208083107/https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=otani-000sho |url-status=live}} Ohtani has been compared to Justin Verlander by some MLB scouts{{cite web |date=December 1, 2017 |title=Otani Becomes MLB Free Agent After Posting Deal Approved |url=http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2017/12/01/otani-becomes-mlb-free-agent-after-posting-deal-approved/ |access-date=April 12, 2018 |work=CBS New York |language=en-US |archive-date=April 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412065422/http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2017/12/01/otani-becomes-mlb-free-agent-after-posting-deal-approved/ |url-status=live}} because of his ability and affinity for throwing harder in high-leverage spots, as well as later in games.{{cite web |last=Lindbergh |first=Ben |date=October 7, 2021 |title=Ten Stats That Sum Up Shohei Ohtani's Historic 2021 Season |url=https://www.theringer.com/mlb/2021/10/5/22710412/shohei-ohtani-angels-mvp |access-date=October 7, 2021 |work=The Ringer |archive-date=October 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007014233/https://www.theringer.com/mlb/2021/10/5/22710412/shohei-ohtani-angels-mvp |url-status=live}} Whereas most pitchers throw only a little harder in big spots than they do in normal ones and most pitchers lose speed as the game goes on, Ohtani, like Verlander, is able to reserve power and staying power in order to conserve energy without throwing max effort on every offering.

Ohtani is a left-handed batter. He is a designated hitter and often considered a power hitter capable of leading the league in home runs.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=Ohtani-000sho |title=Register Players Encyclopedia - Baseball-Reference.com |website=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=March 21, 2018 |archive-date=December 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231212074443/https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi |url-status=live}} Ohtani also demonstrates elite baserunner skills, with a sprint speed and feet-first sliding technique allowing him to have been a league leader in stolen bases, bunt hits and infield-hit rate. Scouts have timed Ohtani running from the batter's box to first base in as little as 3.8 seconds.{{cite web |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-shohei-ohtani-20170930-htmlstory.html |title=Japanese baseball star Shohei Ohtani could be double threat in big leagues |last=Hernandez |first=Dylan |work=Los Angeles Times |date=September 29, 2017 |access-date=December 2, 2017 |archive-date=January 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118171508/https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-shohei-ohtani-20170930-htmlstory.html |url-status=live}} For the 2021 season, his {{convert|28.8|ft/s|mph}} sprint speed ranked in the 92nd percentile of all players, as did his 3.51 second 80-foot split{{cite web |url=https://www.baseballprospectus.com/fantasy/article/68342/need-for-speed-shohei-ohtani-special/ |title=Need for Speed: Shohei Ohtani Special |last=Austin |first=Darius |work=Baseball Prospectus |date=July 19, 2021 |access-date=October 25, 2021 |archive-date=October 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026010143/https://www.baseballprospectus.com/fantasy/article/68342/need-for-speed-shohei-ohtani-special/ |url-status=live}} and he also recorded the fastest home to first average sprint time in the Majors at 4.09 seconds,{{cite web |url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/crazy-unbelievable-different-scouts-gush-over-shohei-ohtanis-immense-tools/ |title='Crazy. Unbelievable. Different:' Shohei Ohtani's Immense Tools Stand Alone |last=Glaser |first=Kyle |date=August 24, 2021 |website=Baseball America |publisher= |access-date=February 29, 2024 |quote=A powerfully built 6-foot-4, 210 pounds, Ohtani's average run time of 4.09 seconds from home to first base is tied for fourth fastest in the majors, as measured by MLB Statcast. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229204235/https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/crazy-unbelievable-different-scouts-gush-over-shohei-ohtanis-immense-tools/ |archive-date=29 February 2024}}{{Cite web |date=October 3, 2021 |title=A look at some of Shohei Ohtani's historical accomplishments this season for the #Angels. |url=https://twitter.com/LAAngelsPR/status/1444023420862095361 |access-date=October 25, 2021 |via=Twitter |publisher=Angels PR |archive-date=October 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027115317/https://twitter.com/laangelspr/status/1444023420862095361 |url-status=live}} while recording a then career-high 26 stolen bases.

File:20181220sports 01 (cropped).jpg awarding Shohei Ohtani the Prime Minister Trophy at the 2018 Japan Professional Sports Grand Prize Award Ceremony]]

Ohtani has been nicknamed "Shotime".

Ohtani is one of Japan's most celebrated athletes, and has faced intense media scrutiny from the Japanese press his whole adult life. Due to the high-profile nature of his two-way efforts, the Fighters have protected Ohtani from some of the media onslaught, while Ohtani has tended to keep to the team dormitory and the gym, leading a semi-monastic, baseball-centric existence, a byproduct of holding down two jobs in the big leagues.

File:Decoy Ohtani Visa.jpg with Shohei Ohtani holding a visa for Ohtani's dog, Dekopin.]]

Ohtani has a Kooikerhondje dog named Dekopin, also known as Decoy.{{cite news |title=Baseball: New Dodger Shohei Ohtani flicks the script with unusual dog name |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/12/db7d61a3aa63-baseball-new-dodger-ohtani-flicks-the-script-with-unusual-dog-name.html |work=Kyodo News |date=December 15, 2023 |access-date=December 30, 2023 |archive-date=December 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230033918/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/12/db7d61a3aa63-baseball-new-dodger-ohtani-flicks-the-script-with-unusual-dog-name.html |url-status=live}}
{{cite news |last1=Adler |first1=Lindsey |title=Who's a Lucky Dog? (Hint: His Owner Just Signed a $700-Million Contract) |url=https://www.wsj.com/sports/baseball/shohei-ohtani-dog-decoy-700-million-nederlandse-kooikerhondje-2528fc37 |work=Wall Street Journal |date=December 15, 2023 |access-date=December 30, 2023 |archive-date=December 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230173237/https://www.wsj.com/sports/baseball/shohei-ohtani-dog-decoy-700-million-nederlandse-kooikerhondje-2528fc37 |url-status=live}} The dog received an honorary visa from the Embassy of the United States, Tokyo.{{cite magazine |last=Neumann |first=Sean |date=January 12, 2024 |title=Shohei Ohtani's Dog 'Decoy' Receives Joke Visa from U.S. Embassy in Japan: Passport Number '000MVPUP000' |url=https://people.com/shohei-ohtani-dog-decoy-receives-joke-visa-from-us-embassy-8425857 |magazine=People |location=New York, New York |publisher=Dotdash Meredith |access-date=March 1, 2024}}
{{cite web |url=https://www.si.com/fannation/mlb/fastball/news/shohei-ohtani-and-his-dog-go-viral-yet-again-after-ohtani-collects-mvp-award |title=Shohei Ohtani and His Dog Go Viral Yet Again After Ohtani Collects MVP Award |last=Farkas |first=Brady |date=January 28, 2024 |website=Fastball FanNation |publisher=Sports Illustrated |access-date=March 1, 2024 |quote=Afterwards, Ohtani and his dog, Decoy, went viral yet again for a picture posted on social media:}}
{{cite web |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-dog-has-fake-united-states-visa |title=Where in the world is Shohei's dog? Pup now has a 'passport' |last=Chiusano |first=Scott |date=January 11, 2024 |website= |publisher=Major League Baseball |access-date=March 1, 2024 |quote=Ohtani posted an image of a fake United States visa on Instagram, complete with a passport photo of Decoy and his given name, Dekopin. }}
{{cite news |last=Harris |first=Beth |date=December 14, 2023 |title=Shohei Ohtani reveals dog's name at Dodgers' introduction: Decoy |url=https://apnews.com/article/shohei-ohtani-dogs-name-decoy-80580fb3c26e0cf435a1865953d3c9e5 |work=Associated Press |access-date=March 1, 2024}}
{{cite news |last=Asperin |first=Alexa Mae |date=January 14, 2024 |title=Shohei Ohtani's dog gets passport from US Embassy in Japan |url=https://www.foxla.com/news/shohei-ohtani-dog-decoy-passport-us-embassy-japan |work=KTTV |location=Los Angeles |access-date=March 1, 2024}} In connection with his $7.85 million home purchase, Ohtani established an LLC named "Decopin", which he named after his dog.{{Cite news |last=Rosenthal |first=Ken |title=The insular relationships that protected Shohei Ohtani — until they didn’t |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5647582/2024/07/22/shohei-ohtani-ippei-mizuhara-nez-balelo-relationship-dodgers/ |access-date=2024-12-18 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite web |date=2024-05-22 |title=Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani buys La Cañada Flintridge mansion from Adam Carolla for $7.85 million |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-05-22/dodgers-star-shohei-ohtani-buys-la-canada-flintridge-mansion-for-7-85-million |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Decopin LLC Los Angeles, CA - filing information |url=https://www.bizprofile.net/ca/los-angeles/decopin-llc |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=www.bizprofile.net |language=en}}

Ohtani is married to former professional basketball player Mamiko Tanaka. Ohtani announced in February 2024 that he had married but declined to disclose his wife's identity except to say, "She's a normal Japanese woman".{{Cite news |last=Yong |first=Nicholas |date=February 29, 2024 |title=Shohei Ohtani: Baseball superstar announces marriage to Japanese woman |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/68432928 |access-date=February 29, 2024 |work=BBC News |archive-date=February 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229102002/https://www.bbc.com/news/68432928 |url-status=live}}
{{cite news |last=Wade |first=Stephen |date=February 29, 2024 |title=Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani says he is married and his bride is Japanese |url=https://apnews.com/article/shohei-ohtani-married-japan-e5949dae4e5bc7b99607554cb78bbe3b |work=Associated Press |access-date=February 29, 2024}} The next month, he revealed her identity by posting a photograph of himself with Tanaka.{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/14/sport/shohei-ohtani-wife-photo-intl-hnk-spt/index.html|title=Shohei Ohtani reveals his new wife's identity – she's also a star athlete|last1=Close|first1=David|last2=Lev|first2=Jacob|date=March 15, 2024|publisher=CNN|access-date=March 20, 2024}} On December 29, 2024, Ohtani announced on Instagram that they were expecting their first child.{{Cite web |title=Baby Ohtani! Shohei, wife Mamiko expecting first child |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-wife-mamiko-tanaka-expecting-first-child |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241229022542/https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-wife-mamiko-tanaka-expecting-first-child |archive-date=2024-12-29 |access-date=2024-12-29 |website=MLB.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=INC |first=SANKEI DIGITAL |date=2024-12-29 |title=【MLB】ドジャース・大谷翔平が真美子夫人の第1子妊娠を公表 インスタグラムで「ルーキーが加わることが待ち切れない」とエコー写真添える |trans-title=[MLB] Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani announces that he and his wife Mamiko are pregnant with their first child. He wrote on Instagram, along with a picture of an ultrasound, "I can't wait for our rookie to join us." |url=https://www.sanspo.com/article/20241229-GVGJNVMAVZKD7HHY7UBV5KTXXU/?outputType=theme_mlb |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241229023009/https://www.sanspo.com/article/20241229-GVGJNVMAVZKD7HHY7UBV5KTXXU/?outputType=theme_mlb |archive-date=2024-12-29 |access-date=2024-12-29 |website=Sanspo |language=ja}} On April 17, 2025, Ohtani returned to Los Angeles during a Dodgers road trip in anticipation of the baby’s arrival. Two days later, on April 19 he announced the birth of their first child, a daughter, on Instagram.{{Cite web |date=2025-04-19 |title=Shohei Ohtani's wife gives birth to a girl for couple's first child |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2025-04-19/shohei-ohtani-wife-gives-birth-first-child |access-date=2025-04-19 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}

Ohtani has been represented by agent Nez Balelo of CAA Sports since 2017, shortly after announcing his plans to pursue an MLB career.{{cite web |last=Hernández |first=Dylan |date=November 6, 2017 |title=Japanese star Shohei Ohtani reportedly chooses CAA Sports to represent him in the U.S., a sign he's ready to play in the majors |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/mlb/la-sp-shohei-ohtani-agency-20171106-story.html |access-date=September 15, 2021 |website=Los Angeles Times |archive-date=September 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915210305/https://www.latimes.com/sports/mlb/la-sp-shohei-ohtani-agency-20171106-story.html |url-status=live}} He was listed in Forbes 30 under 30 Asia class of 2018 in the field of Entertainment & Sports.{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/30-under-30-asia/2018/entertainment-sports/ |title=30 UNDER 30 ENTERTAINMENT & SPORTS |work=Forbes |access-date=December 8, 2021 |archive-date=March 31, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180331041513/https://www.forbes.com/30-under-30-asia/2018/entertainment-sports/#34030a6d551d |url-status=live}} In 2021, Ohtani was named to Time 100's list of most influential people of 2021 and awarded the Commissioner's Historic Achievement Award by Commissioner Rob Manfred.

In 2023, Ohtani endorsement earnings were estimated to be an MLB league-leading $35–40 million, up from his MLB league-leading $20 million endorsement earnings in 2022, which tripled from his MLB league-leading $6 million endorsement earnings in 2021.{{cite web |last=Badenhausen |first=Kurt |date=March 28, 2023 |title=MLB HIGHEST-PAID PLAYERS 2023: OHTANI SCORES RECORD $70 MILLION |url=https://www.sportico.com/personalities/athletes/2023/mlb-highest-paid-players-2023-scherzer-judge-ohtani-1234717401/ |access-date=October 3, 2023 |website=sportico.com |archive-date=October 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231006233527/https://www.sportico.com/personalities/athletes/2023/mlb-highest-paid-players-2023-scherzer-judge-ohtani-1234717401/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Birnbaum |first=Justin |date=March 28, 2023 |title=Baseball's Highest-Paid Players 2023: Shohei Ohtani's MLB-Record Total Lands Him At No. 1 |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/justinbirnbaum/2023/03/27/baseballs-highest-paid-players-2023-shohei-ohtanis-mlb-record-total-lands-him-at-no-1/?sh=1c985eeb7bc2 |website=Forbes |access-date=October 4, 2023 |archive-date=October 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231006233527/https://www.forbes.com/sites/justinbirnbaum/2023/03/27/baseballs-highest-paid-players-2023-shohei-ohtanis-mlb-record-total-lands-him-at-no-1/?sh=1c985eeb7bc2 |url-status=live}} By 2025, his estimated endorsements had risen to $100 million for the year.{{Cite web |last=Badenhausen |first=Kurt |date=2025-03-19 |title=MLB’s Highest-Paid Players 2025: Soto, Ohtani Each Top $100M |url=https://www.sportico.com/personalities/athletes/2025/mlb-highest-paid-players-2025-soto-ohtani-1234843642/ |access-date=2025-04-15 |website=Sportico.com |language=en-US}} Ohtani has proven to be a hit on both sides of the Pacific, with deals with 20 companies, including New Balance and Fanatics/Topps,{{cite web |last=Long |first=Michael |date=January 8, 2018 |title=Topps signs MLB rookie Shohei Ohtani to autograph deal |url=https://www.sportspromedia.com/news/topps-signs-mlb-rookie-shohei-ohtani-to-autograph-deal/?zephr_sso_ott=KFwNlL |access-date=October 3, 2023 |website=sportspromedia.com |archive-date=October 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231006233527/https://www.sportspromedia.com/news/topps-signs-mlb-rookie-shohei-ohtani-to-autograph-deal/?zephr_sso_ott=KFwNlL |url-status=live}} in the U.S. and Hugo Boss, Kosé, Porsche Japan, Kowa, Mitsubishi Bank, Japan Airlines, Salesforce, Nishikawa Co., and Seiko in Japan.{{cite web |last=Birnbaum |first=Justin |date=April 6, 2022 |title=Thanks To A Show-Stopping 2021, Shohei Ohtani's Endorsement Earnings Have Tripled In A Year |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/justinbirnbaum/2022/04/06/thanks-to-a-show-stopping-2021-shohei-ohtanis-endorsement-earnings-tripled-in-a-year/?sh=43dadc57dd2f |access-date=April 21, 2022 |website=Forbes |archive-date=April 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220421175921/https://www.forbes.com/sites/justinbirnbaum/2022/04/06/thanks-to-a-show-stopping-2021-shohei-ohtanis-endorsement-earnings-tripled-in-a-year/?sh=43dadc57dd2f |url-status=live}}

In 2022, Ohtani became a brand ambassador for Kowa, Mitsubishi Bank, Japan Airlines, Salesforce, Porsche Japan as part of their 'Porsche Driving Athlete' family and Fanatics.{{cite web |date=August 19, 2022 |title=Los Angeles Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani looks slick in a photo shoot for Porsche |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/baseball/news-look-los-angeles-angels-superstar-shohei-ohtani-looks-slick-photo-shoot-porsche |access-date=October 7, 2022 |website=sportskeeda |archive-date=October 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007220420/https://www.sportskeeda.com/baseball/news-look-los-angeles-angels-superstar-shohei-ohtani-looks-slick-photo-shoot-porsche |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Hajducky |first=Dan |date=July 20, 2021 |title=Los Angeles Angels' Shohei Ohtani lands exclusive memorabilia deal with Fanatics |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/31845271/los-angeles-angels-shohei-ohtani-lands-exclusive-memorabilia-deal-fanatics |access-date=July 21, 2021 |website=Forbes |archive-date=September 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922114209/https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/31845271/los-angeles-angels-shohei-ohtani-lands-exclusive-memorabilia-deal-fanatics |url-status=live}} In 2023, Ohtani added two new deals with New Balance{{Cite magazine |last=Benson |first=Pat |date=January 31, 2023 |title=Shohei Ohtani Signs Long-Term Deal With New Balance |url=https://www.si.com/fannation/sneakers/news/shohei-ohtani-signs-with-new-balance |access-date=March 6, 2023 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |archive-date=March 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306233722/https://www.si.com/fannation/sneakers/news/shohei-ohtani-signs-with-new-balance |url-status=live}} and Japanese cosmetics company Kosé.{{Cite press release |date=March 29, 2023 |title=KOSÉ Corporation Announces New Global Ambassador, Shohei Ohtani, One of Baseball's Shining Stars in the US and Internationally |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kose-corporation-announces-new-global-ambassador-shohei-ohtani-one-of-baseballs-shining-stars-in-the-us-and-internationally-301784775.html |access-date=October 3, 2023 |agency=PR Newswire |archive-date=October 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231006233527/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kose-corporation-announces-new-global-ambassador-shohei-ohtani-one-of-baseballs-shining-stars-in-the-us-and-internationally-301784775.html |url-status=live}} Ohtani was the first Asian player to be a cover athlete of MLB The Show in 2022.{{Cite web |last=Russell |first=Ramone |date=January 31, 2022 |title=Shohei Ohtani: Unanimous AL MVP is your MLB The Show 22 cover athlete |url=https://blog.playstation.com/2022/01/31/shohei-ohtani-unanimous-al-mvp-is-your-mlb-the-show-22-cover-athlete/ |access-date=January 31, 2022 |website=playstation.com |publisher=PlayStation Blog |archive-date=September 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928082327/https://blog.playstation.com/2022/01/31/shohei-ohtani-unanimous-al-mvp-is-your-mlb-the-show-22-cover-athlete/ |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Joon |date=January 31, 2022 |title=Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani on cover of MLB the Show 22. |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/33185669/los-angeles-angels-star-shohei-ohtani-cover-sony-mlb-show-22-video-game |access-date=January 31, 2022 |publisher=ESPN |archive-date=January 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131170339/https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/33185669/los-angeles-angels-star-shohei-ohtani-cover-sony-mlb-show-22-video-game |url-status=live}} In 2025, Ohtani's likeness was added to Fortnite, making him the first MLB player available in the game.{{cite news |last1=Murphy |first1=Brian |title=Ohtani's latest first: Joining the Fortnite Icon Series |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-fortnite |access-date=March 10, 2025 |work=MLB.com |date=March 10, 2025}}

Ohtani's previous partnerships included Asics, Descente, Oakley, New Era, FTX, Savas, and Aquarius.{{cite web |last=Birnbaum |first=Justin |date=July 8, 2021 |title=How MLB Superstar Shohei Ohtani Made $6 Million In Endorsements Without Even Trying |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/justinbirnbaum/2021/07/08/how-mlb-superstar-shohei-ohtani-made-6-million-in-endorsements-without-even-trying/?sh=35c0a3573bf9 |access-date=July 14, 2021 |website=Forbes |archive-date=July 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714195038/https://www.forbes.com/sites/justinbirnbaum/2021/07/08/how-mlb-superstar-shohei-ohtani-made-6-million-in-endorsements-without-even-trying/?sh=35c0a3573bf9 |url-status=live}} On November 16, 2021, it was announced that Ohtani joined cryptocurrency exchange FTX as a global ambassador,{{Cite web |last=Egan |first=Matt |date=November 16, 2021 |title=MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani takes a stake in crypto firm FTX |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/16/business/bitcoin-crypto-ftx-ohtani/index.html |access-date=May 23, 2022 |publisher=CNN |language=en |archive-date=February 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220210212904/https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/16/business/bitcoin-crypto-ftx-ohtani/index.html |url-status=live}} partnering on various animal charitable initiatives;{{Cite web |last=Padovano |first=Peter |date=November 16, 2021 |title=MLB Superstar Shohei Ohtani Joins FTX as Global Ambassador Through Long-Term Partnership |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mlb-superstar-shohei-ohtani-joins-ftx-as-global-ambassador-through-long-term-partnership-301425911.html |access-date=May 23, 2022 |publisher=CNN |language=en |archive-date=November 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211126232911/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mlb-superstar-shohei-ohtani-joins-ftx-as-global-ambassador-through-long-term-partnership-301425911.html |url-status=live}} however, in November 2022, FTX filed for bankruptcy, wiping out billions of dollars in customer funds. Ohtani, alongside other spokespeople, was sued for promoting unregistered securities through a class-action lawsuit{{Cite web |last=Florio |first=Mike |author-link=Mike Florio |date=November 16, 2022 |title=Tom Brady is sued in connection with FTX collapse |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/tom-brady-is-sued-in-connection-with-ftx-collapse |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206163307/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2022/11/16/tom-brady-is-sued-in-connection-with-ftx-collapse/ |archive-date=December 6, 2022 |access-date=November 16, 2022 |website=NBC Sports |language=en-US}}{{cite news |last1=Zeitchik |first1=Steven |last2=Mark |first2=Julian |date=December 14, 2022 |title=Tom Brady pushed crypto to his fans. This lawyer wants him to pay up. |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2022/12/14/ftx-class-action-lawsuit/ |access-date=December 14, 2022 |archive-date=December 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214183551/https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2022/12/14/ftx-class-action-lawsuit/ |url-status=live}} with his lawyers filing for Ohtani's dismissal from the FTX lawsuit in April 2023.{{cite news |last=Shaiken |first=Bill |date=April 14, 2023 |title=Shohei Ohtani should be dismissed from FTX endorsement lawsuit, his lawyers say |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2023-04-14/shohei-ohtani-should-be-dismissed-ftx-endorsement-lawsuit-lawyers-say |access-date=October 3, 2023 |archive-date=October 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231006233527/https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2023-04-14/shohei-ohtani-should-be-dismissed-ftx-endorsement-lawsuit-lawyers-say |url-status=live}}

While not fluent, Ohtani speaks passable English as well as Spanish, but prefers to speak to the media through an interpreter.{{Cite web |last=Bumbaca |first=Chris |date=July 12, 2021 |title=Stephen A. Smith on Shohei Ohtani: 'Don't think it helps that the No. 1 face is a dude that needs an interpreter' |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/angels/2021/07/12/stephen-a-smith-shohei-ohtani-dude-needs-interpreter/7939597002/ |access-date=October 7, 2021 |website=USA Today |archive-date=October 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008002001/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/angels/2021/07/12/stephen-a-smith-shohei-ohtani-dude-needs-interpreter/7939597002/ |url-status=live}} Ippei Mizuhara was Ohtani's personal interpreter with the Angels and Dodgers, having known Ohtani since he was 18, starting in 2013 during Ohtani's days with the Fighters.{{Cite web |last=Bollinger |first=Rhett |date=July 10, 2021 |title=Ohtani's interpreter to catch in HR Derby |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-interpreter-ippei-mizuhara-to-catch-in-2021-home-run-derby |access-date=October 7, 2021 |publisher=Major League Baseball |archive-date=October 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007234039/https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-interpreter-ippei-mizuhara-to-catch-in-2021-home-run-derby |url-status=live}} Mizuhara's role went beyond solely translating to include confidant, conditioning coach, and throwing partner.{{Cite magazine |last=O'Connell |first=Robert |date=June 21, 2021 |title='A Game of Speech'—But Also, For Baseball Interpreters, So Much More |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/2021/06/21/baseball-interpreters-daily-cover |access-date=October 8, 2021 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |archive-date=October 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008213732/https://www.si.com/mlb/2021/06/21/baseball-interpreters-daily-cover |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Gonzalez |first=Alden |date=September 12, 2019 |title=Shohei Ohtani can hit, pitch – and keep his teammates laughing |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/27597381/shohei-ohtani-hit-pitch-keep-teammates-laughing |access-date=October 8, 2021 |publisher=ESPN |archive-date=October 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008213732/https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/27597381/shohei-ohtani-hit-pitch-keep-teammates-laughing |url-status=live}}

In March 2024, an ESPN investigation uncovered $4.5 million in wire payments from Ohtani's bank account to a Southern California bookmaking operation under federal investigation. On March 19, Mizuhara told ESPN that the money was for repaying his gambling debts. He said he had asked Ohtani for the money and that Ohtani himself transferred the funds to the bookie. Mizuhara also told this story to the Dodgers clubhouse after a game that day. However, as ESPN prepared to air the interview on the morning of March 20, Ohtani's law firm issued a statement reading, "We discovered that Shohei has been the victim of a massive theft, and we are turning the matter over to the authorities." That afternoon, the Dodgers fired Mizuhara, who had signed a contract with the team when Ohtani joined.{{Cite web |last=Thompson |first=Tisha |date=March 20, 2024 |title=Dodgers fire Shohei Ohtani's interpreter amid allegation of 'massive theft' |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/39768770/dodgers-shohei-ohtani-interpreter-fired-theft |access-date=April 2, 2024 |website=ESPN.com}} Will Ireton, who had served as an interpreter for Kenta Maeda, took over as Ohtani's interpreter.{{cite news |last1=Ardaya |first1=Fabian |title=Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers keep mum in aftermath of interpreter theft accusation |url=https://theathletic.com/5358623/2024/03/21/shohei-ohtani-dodgers-interpreter-theft-quiet/ |access-date=March 22, 2024 |work=The Athletic |date=March 21, 2024}} At a March 25 press conference, Ohtani made his first public statement about the incident, telling reporters that he had never bet on sports or had any knowledge of the debt until the team meeting on March 19.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/shohei-ohtani-discusses-translator-ippei-mizuhara-gambling-allegations|title=Ohtani says he never bet on sports, had no knowledge of Mizuhara's gambling|work=mlb.com|first=Juan|last=Toribio|date=March 25, 2024|access-date=March 26, 2024}}

On April 11, the US Attorney for the Central District of California charged Mizuhara with one count of bank fraud after an investigation determined that he had impersonated Ohtani with his bank, had illegally changed settings on the bank account and had stolen over $16 million from that account.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/11/sport/ippei-mizuhara-shohei-ohtani-investigation/index.html|title=Former Ohtani interpreter Mizuhara faces federal charge after allegedly stealing $16 million from the baseball superstar|first=Holly|last=Yan|date=April 11, 2024|website=CNN}} On June 4, following Mizuhara's guilty plea, Ohtani was officially cleared of any wrongdoing in the affair.{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=R.J. |date=2024-06-04 |title=Shohei Ohtani gambling scandal: MLB officially clears Dodgers star after investigation into interpreter's bets |url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/shohei-ohtani-gambling-scandal-mlb-officially-clears-dodgers-star-after-investigation-into-interpreters-bets/ |access-date=June 6, 2024 |website=CBS Sports}}{{cite web |last1=Camras |first1=Noah |title=Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani Breaks Silence After MLB Clears Him of Wrongdoing in Ippei Mizuhara Scandal |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/dodgers/news/dodgers-reveal-shohei-ohtani-had-major-surgery-after-world-series-01jbza7j77p4 |publisher=Sports Illustrated |access-date=12 November 2024 |date=4 June 2024}} In February 2025, Mizuhara was sentenced to repay Ohtani $17 million along with a 57-month prison sentence.{{cite web |last1=Blum |first1=Sam |date=February 6, 2025 |title=Interpreter Ippei Mizuhara sentenced to five years for defrauding Shohei Ohtani |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6119634/2025/02/06/ippei-mizuhara-sentencing-shohei-ohtani/ |work=The Athletic}}

On May 9, 2024, Lionsgate Television announced the development of a scripted series based on the interpreter gambling scandal.{{Cite web |last=Masunaga |first=Samantha |date=2024-05-09 |title=TV series based on Shohei Ohtani interpreter gambling scandal in the works at Lionsgate |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2024-05-09/lionsgate-television-develop-scripted-series-shohei-ohtani-interpreter-gambling-scandal |access-date=2024-05-17 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}

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{{Reflist|group=fn}}

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{{Reflist|30em}}

• {{cite news |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/shohei-ohtani-mlb-two-way-player-60-minutes-2021-06-20/ |title=Shohei Ohtani: Japan's Babe Ruth |last=Wertheim |first=Jon |publisher=CBS News |date=June 20, 2021 |access-date=October 27, 2021}}
• {{cite web |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/a-look-at-the-history-of-shohei-ohtani-c262589034 |title=A Look at the History of Shohei Ohtani |first=Doug |last=Miller |publisher=Major League Baseball |date=November 29, 2017}}
• {{cite news |url=http://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/23042516/los-angeles-angels-star-shohei-ohtani-trying-never-seen |title=The One Baseball's Been Waiting For |first=Tim |last=Keown |publisher=ESPN |date=April 6, 2018 |access-date=April 6, 2018}}
• {{cite news |url=https://www.theringer.com/mlb/2021/7/12/22573272/shohei-ohtani-first-two-way-season-nippon-ham-fighters |title=Inside Shohei Ohtani's Superhero Origin Story |last=Lindbergh |first=Ben |website=The Ringer |date=July 12, 2021 |access-date=October 7, 2021}}
• {{Cite news |last=McCullough |first=Andy |date=2024-09-24 |title=Inside Shohei Ohtani's historic, tumultuous, as-yet unfulfilled first Dodgers season |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5784552/2024/09/24/shohei-ohtani-los-angeles-dodgers-playoffs/ |access-date=2024-09-26 |work=The Athletic |language=en-US |url-access=subscription}}
• {{cite news |url=https://www.theringer.com/mlb/2021/10/5/22710412/shohei-ohtani-angels-mvp |title=Ten Stats That Sum Up Shohei Ohtani's Historic 2021 Season |last=Lindbergh |first=Ben |website=The Ringer |date=October 5, 2021 |access-date=October 27, 2021}}

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Category:Major League Baseball designated hitters

Category:Major League Baseball pitchers

Category:Major League Baseball players from Japan

Category:Major League Baseball Rookie of the Year Award winners

Category:National League All-Stars

Category:National League home run champions

Category:National League Most Valuable Player Award winners

Category:National League RBI champions

Category:Nippon Professional Baseball designated hitters

Category:Nippon Professional Baseball MVP Award winners

Category:Nippon Professional Baseball outfielders

Category:Nippon Professional Baseball pitchers

Category:People from Ōshū, Iwate

Category:Silver Slugger Award winners

Category:World Baseball Classic players of Japan