This is just Shohei Ohtani’s world, and we are all just living in it! While the Los Angeles Dodgers superstar continues to leave the fans and viewers in awe of his great talent and skills, a big claim seems to have raised a lot of questions for many. Andrew Friedman, the president of the baseball operations of the Dodgers, has made a statement that comes as a surprise to many. So what is it?
Well, Friedman makes a big claim, considering that despite being a superstar, Shohei Ohtani hasn’t received the appreciation and praise that he deserved. Ohtani’s 2024 season record with the Dodgers has been nothing short of exemplary, as he posted 54 home runs, 130 RBIs, at an average of.310,.390 OBP, and 1.036 OPS, along with 636 AB. That’s quite impressive, isn’t it?
There’s no second opinion to it. However, Dodgers’ executive editor, Matthre Moreno, on March 16, made a post on his X handle on what Andrew Friedman said about Ohtani. “I think he is the most talented player who’s ever played this game. Second, I think, in some weird way, he’s underrated. I still think he is underappreciated,” Friedman was quoted saying. Shohei Ohtani has done wonders for the Dodgers, and no one can ignore his contribution to the sport. His two-way play is a rarity, and every team looks for such elite contributions as both pitcher and hitter.
Andrew Friedman just called Shohei Ohtani the GOAT and overlooked:
“I think he is the most talented player who’s ever played this game. Second, I think in some weird way, I think he’s underrated. I still think he is under appreciated.” pic.twitter.com/KOhJcNomrx
— Matthew Moreno (@Matthew__Moreno) March 16, 2025
Many people do not talk about his talent, not realizing how difficult it to be a two-way player in the MLB. Everyone has been focused on his batting rather than his two-way play, due to which his pitching is quite underrated too. But one cannot deny that in case Shohei Ohtani is pushed to become a position player, he would even fetch a Golden Glove award. However, it is also true that Major League Baseball is more of a kind of regional sports than the NBA and NFL, as a result of which, he may not be getting the much-desired media coverage that football and basketball starts usually get.
The Dodgers superstar makes a massive comeback with a towering home run
Under the bright lights of the stadium in the Saturday night game, Shohei Ohtani showcased his talent and skills another time in front of the audiences. Ohtani hit a massive two-home run right into the deep right field during the third inning of the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-1 exhibition game against the Yomiuri Giants. It literally sent the fans in a frenzy, as they got to experience their favourite player delivering in such spectacular fashion. But that’s not all!
After the match, Ohtani said to the Japanese reporters, “With so many fans in the stands, it really felt like I’ve come back home after a long time.” He believed that it was a great at-bat and would like to move on with an equal dedication and make his presence count in the Dodgers. The Dodgers are preparing themselves for the Tokyo Series opener against the Chicago Cubs, and the presence of Ohtani in his home country is literally making the environment electric. With huge excitement surrounding him and fans willing to see him representing the Dodgers, that too in his home soil, Ohtani will like to prove to them why he is called one of the biggest stars in Major League Baseball.
What, according to you, may be the reason behind Ohtani being called underappreciated and underrated?
The post Shohei Ohtani Called “Underrated” and “Underappreciated” as Dodgers’ Andrew Friedman Slams ‘Weird’ Snub appeared first on EssentiallySports.