Shohei Ohtani: “15 wins and 50 home runs next season! The possibility of winning the double crown in pitching and hitting

“This season, he has established a new image as a two-way player. I’m almost certain that he will win the season MVP award. I think we can expect even more success from him next season.

Shohei Ohtani (27) has been so remarkable this season that Mac Suzuki (46), who was active in Major League Baseball as a pitcher, excitedly said so. He hit 46 home runs, drove in 100 runs, and stole 26 bases as a hitter, and as a pitcher, he went 9-2 with a 3.18 ERA and 156 strikeouts. As a pitcher, he finished with a 9-2 record, a 3.18 goals-against average, and 156 strikeouts. He is the leading candidate for the season MVP award, which will be announced in November.

He was also named MVP of the season, so we are already wondering what he will do next season. Nachi Tomonari, a sports journalist, said that the home run king, who fought fiercely for the title until the end, has a good chance of breaking the 50-home run mark next season.

“This offseason, Mike Trout, who is known as one of the best hitters in MLB, will return from injury and will follow Otani. In fact, this season, Ohtani has recorded 96 walks, including a league-high 20 declared walks. He didn’t get to play because of all the honorable mentions, but he won’t be able to avoid playing so easily next season. My total number of at-bats this year is 537, so this alone will increase my chances of hitting a home run by about 20-30%.

Also, the biggest reason why I lost the home run championship this season was because I lost speed in the second half of the season. Fatigue set in and it became difficult for me to stay in shape. However, having played through a full season for the first time gave me a perspective on how to be successful throughout the year.

For example, I could choose not to play in the All-Star game, where I was pulled into the home run competition and as a starting pitcher and could not rest at all. If I can adjust my conditioning, I think I can naturally achieve better results than this season.

On the other hand, is there any chance that he will be able to get double-digit wins as a pitcher …… and even more wins beyond that? I’m not sure.

“He has the ability to win 15 games this season. In December, there will be a winter meeting where all the team’s management officials will gather, and I think it will become clear that the weaknesses of the relievers and stoppers will be addressed.

Although he hasn’t reached the specified number of pitches, Ohtani’s defense rate is equivalent to the third highest in the league. If he can improve his relief pitching, he could be a contender for the most wins.

“Showtime” won’t end in one year.

From the October 22-29, 2021 issue of FRIDAY