Shohei Ohtani Makes a “Full Comeback as a Two-Way Player” for the First Time in Three Years… The Magnificence of a Historic Season, as Shown by His Career-High WAR Pace

On Track for the Best Season of His Career

“Having returned to full-time two-way play for the first time in three years, the first half of this season has been a historic four months for the Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani (32). As a pitcher, he threw 85.2 innings with a 1.79 ERA and an overwhelming record of 8 wins and 2 losses.

As a hitter, while his home run total of 22 is on a slow pace, he has recorded a .287 batting average—surpassing last year’s mark—and an OPS of .930, which ranks third in the league. He is having the best season of his career (statistics as of July 21),” said Major League Baseball analyst Nachi Tomonari.

Ohtani’s “complete comeback,” which Tomonari praises unreservedly, is also reflected in the data. His WAR—a metric that indicates how many wins a single player has contributed, and which is considered the most important factor in the media vote for the MVP—is on pace to reach a career high.

“You might have strong memories of last season, when he set a personal best with 55 home runs, or of 2024, when he achieved the unprecedented ‘54-59’ feat.

But in reality, his contribution in 2023—when he hit 44 home runs while also recording 10 wins as a pitcher—was the greatest, with a WAR of 10. This season, Ohtani is on pace to match that 2023 performance, having already recorded a WAR of 5.8,” said a reporter covering the team on the ground.

FRIDAY looks back at Ohtani’s “BEST SHOTS”—captured by the camera in decisive moments—as he charges toward the unprecedented feat of winning four consecutive MVPs and three consecutive World Series titles.

Former Major Leaguer and baseball analyst Keiichi Yabu first cited the “BEST SHOT” as the historic home run he hit on July 8 (Japan time; same applies below).

“His 300th career Major League home run (third photo), hit off the Rockies’ Michael Lorenzen (34), was truly impressive. He drove a sinker that was drifting away to the outside back the opposite way, sending it soaring about 125 meters. I’m once again amazed that a Japanese player has racked up home runs at such a blistering pace.”

Ohtani’s 18th home run, against the Athletics on June 30, was a true showcase of his incredible technique and power. He crushed a difficult sweeper—a pitch that cut in from the inside part of the strike zone—thrown by left-hander Matt Crook (31).

The ball landed on the grass deep in right field at the away stadium, Sutter Health Park, about 132 meters away. However, since Ohtani has been hitting one impressive home run after another, it’s getting harder to remember any of them other than the “Memorial Arch” (laughs).”

Click here for the second part of this article, which discusses Shohei Ohtani as he finally evolves into the ideal pitcher

From the August 7 & 14, 2026, combined issue of *FRIDAY*