You can analyze Shohei Ohtani as a pitcher and draw the conclusion that he has the potential to be one of the most dominant hurlers in the majors once he stretches out and pitches a full year. He didn’t pitch at all in the 2024 season while rehabbing from Tommy John surgery and was limited to only 14 starts in 2025, going 1-1 with a 2.87 ERA, a 1.04 WHIP and 11.9 K/9 across 47 innings.
Shohei Ohtani 2026 Fantasy Baseball Profile and Outlook
You can also analyze what Ohtani brings to the table as a hitter, and there are no double lectures there. His ability at the plate made him the NL MVP for the 2025 season after a campaign in which he hit .282 with a 1.014 OPS, 55 homers, 102 RBI and 146 runs scored in 158 games and 727 plate appearances.
This turned out to be the third consecutive season in which Ohtani posted an OPS north of 1.000. Plus, the 55 homers he launched were a career-best mark for the star slugger, and he was one of the most dangerous hitters in baseball while hitting leadoff in one of the best lineups in MLB.
What would be the value that Ohtani brings to the table? He’s an outstanding pitcher with the potential to be dominant once he’s fully healthy and stretched, and he’s already one of the most dangerous hitters in the game.
What Is Shohei Ohtani’s Value in Most Fantasy Baseball Formats?
If Ohtani is listed as a two-way player, that means you’d only have to spend one pick to get his two versions: a starting pitcher and a hitter, which is the format most leagues allow. Ohtani might not be the best pitcher in fantasy, but his impact as a hitter simply can’t be underestimated.
If that’s the case, there’s a strong case to make him the 1.01 over other players like Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, two other stars who could be worthy of being selected with the first overall pick. Ohtani would be an elite hitter and an above-average pitcher who should make 25 to 30 starts if he stays healthy. That’s elite production in any way you look at it.
If you have the chance to draft Ohtani as a two-way player, don’t hesitate to use your 1.01 pick on him. If he’s listed as two players, though, then the hitter version would certainly merit consideration for the 1.01 pick as well. The pitcher could be had in later rounds, but keep in mind that he should be an above-average hurler as well.
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