The debate over baseball’s greatest player has resurfaced in recent years, and much of the conversation now centers on Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani. Already recognized as one of the sport’s most extraordinary talents, Ohtani has continued to redefine expectations by excelling as both an elite starting pitcher and one of the game’s most dangerous hitters.
Few players in Major League Baseball history have been able to perform at a high level in even one discipline, let alone dominate on both sides of the game. Ohtani’s rare combination of power at the plate and excellence on the mound has prompted fans, analysts and former players to reconsider how greatness should be measured in modern baseball.
Among those making the strongest case for Ohtani is former New York Yankees ace CC Sabathia. Widely regarded as one of the best pitchers of his generation, Sabathia recently explained why he believes the Dodgers star has already surpassed every player who came before him.
While comparisons involving baseball legends often spark passionate debate, Sabathia argued that Ohtani’s ability to influence games in multiple ways places him in a category all his own. His comments have once again fueled discussion about where the Japanese superstar belongs among the sport’s all-time greats.
1. Sabathia Makes His Case for Ohtani
Sabathia did not hesitate when discussing Ohtani’s place in baseball history. The former Cy Young Award winner said he has believed from the beginning that Ohtani possesses a unique level of talent unlike anything the sport has previously witnessed.
In explaining his opinion, Sabathia acknowledged his longtime admiration for Barry Bonds, a player many consider one of the greatest hitters ever to play the game. However, he emphasized that even players of Bonds’ caliber could not contribute as dominant starting pitchers.
According to Sabathia, that distinction separates Ohtani from every other player in baseball history. He argued that combining elite pitching with elite offensive production creates a level of value that no previous superstar has consistently demonstrated over the course of a career.
His comparison underscored just how highly he regards Ohtani’s accomplishments. Rather than viewing the Dodgers star as simply the best player of his generation, Sabathia believes his ability to excel in two demanding roles has fundamentally changed the conversation surrounding baseball’s greatest player.
2. A Two-Way Talent Unlike Any Other
Ohtani’s remarkable career has challenged traditional ideas about player specialization. Throughout modern baseball history, elite pitchers and elite hitters have almost always followed separate career paths, making Ohtani’s continued success in both areas exceptionally rare.
Even during his years with the Los Angeles Angels, Ohtani established himself as one of the sport’s premier two-way players. His career pitching numbers have consistently ranked among the league’s best, while his offensive production has placed him alongside baseball’s top power hitters.
His combination of velocity, command and swing-and-miss ability has made him a formidable presence on the mound. At the same time, his power, athleticism and ability to hit for average have made him one of the most complete offensive players in the game.
That versatility has transformed how opponents prepare for the Dodgers. On one day, Ohtani can dominate as a starting pitcher. The next, he can change a game with one swing of the bat, making him one of the sport’s most valuable and unpredictable stars.
3. Another Dominant Season Strengthens His Legacy
Ohtani has continued to build upon his remarkable résumé during the 2026 season. As the Dodgers pursue another championship, he has once again performed at an elite level on both sides of the game.
On the mound, the right-hander has delivered one of the strongest pitching campaigns in baseball. Through his first 13 starts, he has posted a 1.58 earned run average, spending much of the season among the league leaders while at times threatening to maintain an ERA below 1.00.
His offensive production has also rebounded after a slower start to the year. Ohtani has regained his rhythm at the plate, producing a batting average near .300 while continuing to supply the home-run power that has become one of his trademarks.
His all-around excellence has helped the Dodgers establish themselves as the National League’s top team through the first half of the season. With one of baseball’s best records and another championship pursuit underway, Ohtani continues to strengthen an already historic legacy that many believe will rank among the greatest the sport has ever seen.