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Shohei Ohtani is still one of the most talented players MLBhas ever seen. But right now? Something looks off. And for the first time in a while, people around the Los Angeles Dodgers are beginning to ask serious questions about whether Ohtani can truly dominate as both a hitter and pitcher at the same time. As of mid-May 2026, Ohtani is in the middle of one of the worst offensive stretches of his MLB career.
The numbers are ugly: Hitting just .111 over his recent stretch with no home runs since April 27th. For a player who normally changes games with one swing, the lack of power is especially alarming.
MORE: MLB first base power rankings entering week 8
Apr 24, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) walks off the field after the fifth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images
This isn’t just bad luck either. There are real signs that something is off mechanically. Reports indicate that his bat speed has dropped from 76.3 mph to 74.8 mph, and his swing angle has changed.
Instead of driving baseballs with authority, Ohtani suddenly looks hesitant and out of sync at the plate. He’s producing more weak fly balls, grounders, and pop-ups. For almost any other player in MLB, this would be considered a slump in a long season, but when we’re talking about one of the all-time greats, it is much more alarming.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has suggested the issues may be more mental than physical. According to Roberts, Ohtani appears:
The Dodgers have denied that physical exhaustion is the issue, but it’s hard not to wonder whether the demands of returning to full two-way duties are playing a role.
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) stands in the on-deck circle against the Houston Astros during the first inning at Daikin Park. Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images
And this is where the real conversation begins. Ohtani is still pitching well. But while he’s focusing heavily on being a full-time two-way player again, his offense has cratered. That raises a fascinating question:
Can Ohtani truly perform both jobs at an elite MVP level simultaneously? Because in both of his recent MVP-caliber seasons since joining the Dodgers, he either wasn’t pitching much or wasn’t pitching at all. That allowed him to focus more heavily on hitting.
To be clear: Ohtani can absolutely still be a two-way player. Nobody is questioning that. But maybe there’s a difference between being very good at both and being elite at both simultaneously over a full season.
Pitching alone is exhausting. Hitting at an MVP level alone is exhausting. Trying to do both every single week may simply be too much, even for someone as uniquely gifted as Ohtani.
Mar 24, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) reacts after throwing an inside pitch to Los Angeles Angels center fielder Jo Adell (7) in the fourth at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The Dodgers remain one of baseball’s best teams, but they built much of their championship vision around having Ohtani dominate in both roles. If the offensive decline continues, difficult conversations may eventually need to happen about:
Because the version of Ohtani the Dodgers need is the one who changes games at the plate—not one struggling to make hard contact. Shohei Ohtani is still a superstar. But this slump feels different.
And whether the Dodgers want to admit it publicly or not, the timing is impossible to ignore. As Ohtani takes on a heavier pitching workload again, his offensive dominance has disappeared. That may no longer be a coincidence.
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The numbers are ugly: Hitting just .111 over his recent stretch with no home runs since April 27th. For a player who normally changes games with one swing, the lack of power is especially alarming.
MORE: MLB first base power rankings entering week 8
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Apr 24, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) walks off the field after the fifth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images
The Underlying Numbers Are Concerning
This isn’t just bad luck either. There are real signs that something is off mechanically. Reports indicate that his bat speed has dropped from 76.3 mph to 74.8 mph, and his swing angle has changed.
Instead of driving baseballs with authority, Ohtani suddenly looks hesitant and out of sync at the plate. He’s producing more weak fly balls, grounders, and pop-ups. For almost any other player in MLB, this would be considered a slump in a long season, but when we’re talking about one of the all-time greats, it is much more alarming.
Dave Roberts Thinks It’s Mental
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has suggested the issues may be more mental than physical. According to Roberts, Ohtani appears:
- Over-anxious
- Pressing at the plate
- Potentially mentally fatigued
The Dodgers have denied that physical exhaustion is the issue, but it’s hard not to wonder whether the demands of returning to full two-way duties are playing a role.
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Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) stands in the on-deck circle against the Houston Astros during the first inning at Daikin Park. Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images
Is Pitching Affecting His Hitting?
And this is where the real conversation begins. Ohtani is still pitching well. But while he’s focusing heavily on being a full-time two-way player again, his offense has cratered. That raises a fascinating question:
Can Ohtani truly perform both jobs at an elite MVP level simultaneously? Because in both of his recent MVP-caliber seasons since joining the Dodgers, he either wasn’t pitching much or wasn’t pitching at all. That allowed him to focus more heavily on hitting.
Maybe “Great at Both” Is Different Than “Elite at Both”
To be clear: Ohtani can absolutely still be a two-way player. Nobody is questioning that. But maybe there’s a difference between being very good at both and being elite at both simultaneously over a full season.
Pitching alone is exhausting. Hitting at an MVP level alone is exhausting. Trying to do both every single week may simply be too much, even for someone as uniquely gifted as Ohtani.
You must be registered for see images attach
Mar 24, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) reacts after throwing an inside pitch to Los Angeles Angels center fielder Jo Adell (7) in the fourth at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The Dodgers Need Answers Quickly
The Dodgers remain one of baseball’s best teams, but they built much of their championship vision around having Ohtani dominate in both roles. If the offensive decline continues, difficult conversations may eventually need to happen about:
- Workload management
- Pitching frequency
- Long-term sustainability
Because the version of Ohtani the Dodgers need is the one who changes games at the plate—not one struggling to make hard contact. Shohei Ohtani is still a superstar. But this slump feels different.
And whether the Dodgers want to admit it publicly or not, the timing is impossible to ignore. As Ohtani takes on a heavier pitching workload again, his offensive dominance has disappeared. That may no longer be a coincidence.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —
Continue reading...
