Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani is a name that has become synonymous with exceptional talent in baseball, particularly as one of the sport’s leading hitters. However, the legendary Barry Bonds, MLB’s all-time home run king, has a different take on the current landscape of hitting. During his appearance on the “All The Smoke” podcast, Bonds shared his thoughts on how the game has evolved, suggesting that today’s batters face fewer challenges than during his time on the field.
Having played 22 illustrious seasons in Major League Baseball, Bonds not only left an indelible mark on the sport but also accumulated a wealth of experience and wisdom through his achievements. He holds the prestigious title of the all-time home run champion with 762 home runs and boasts seven MVP Awards, a staggering 12 Silver Slugger awards, eight Gold Gloves, and 14 All-Star selections. With such a decorated career, it’s clear that Bonds possesses a profound understanding of what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of baseball.
In his discussion with Ohtani, who many consider among baseball’s brightest stars today, Bonds expressed a desire for Ohtani to focus primarily on his hitting. “I just hope he stays in the hitting category because his hitting ability is off the chart,” Bonds remarked. He went on to suggest that pitching might wear Ohtani down over time, advising him to occasionally come out of the bullpen since he excels as both a designated hitter and a reliever. This perspective highlights Bonds’ recognition of Ohtani’s unique skill set—one that allows him to shine in multiple roles.
For Ohtani, the idea of transitioning primarily to hitting would be a considerable shift, especially given his impressive track record on the mound since his MLB debut in 2018. He has started 86 games with an outstanding 3.01 ERA and a WHIP of 1.061, while limiting opponents to a .200 batting average and a .612 OPS. Those stats reflect not just his potential but also the hard work he’s put into honing his craft.
Bonds further elaborated, expressing that Ohtani could easily become one of the game’s most dominant relievers without losing focus on his batting prowess. He spoke candidly, saying, “As a starter, I think it might get wear and tear a little bit and tire him out. Why fix something that isn’t broken? Because for me, I’d be like, no, I ain’t fix nothing that ain’t broken.” This sentiment resonates not only with Ohtani’s skill set but mirrors what many athletes feel about preserving their strengths rather than risking their effectiveness by overextending themselves.
Ohtani’s brilliance as a pitcher played a significant role in his unanimous AL MVP awards in both 2021 and 2023. However, after enduring an elbow injury that sidelined him from pitching in 2024, he continued to demonstrate his outstanding offensive capabilities with the Dodgers, earning the NL MVP award unanimously after posting a remarkable .310/.390/.646 slash line and leading the National League with a 190 OPS+. His excellence at the plate was complemented by a record-breaking performance in which he hit 54 home runs and swiped 59 bases—a historic feat that made him the first MLB player to achieve 50 in both categories within a single season.
Bonds also touched on another significant change in baseball: the batting practice habits of modern-day players. “These guys hit more than I’ve ever seen in my lifetime,” he remarked, alluding to the ways contemporary athletes prepare for games compared to the era he dominated. These insights underscore the advanced training regimens and analytical approaches that today’s players incorporate into their preparation.
Ultimately, even if Ohtani takes Bonds’ advice and shifts to a more focused relief role, his offensive prowess would undoubtedly make him a valuable asset for the Dodgers. However, the gravity of accomplishing Barry Bonds’ remarkable home run record looms heavily over Ohtani. To even come close, he would need to hit an astonishing 537 more home runs—an uphill battle that would challenge even the most gifted hitters, no matter what advantages modern baseball might provide.
As fans, we can appreciate the evolving nature of the game while cherishing the unique talents and perspectives of both past and present players. The dialogue between legends like Barry Bonds and rising stars like Shohei Ohtani not only reflects the history of baseball but also sets the stage for its exciting future. It’s a reminder that while the game may change, the passion and dedication of its players remain at its heart.
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