Shohei Ohtani Named the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Most Complete Player by FOX Sports: The Reasons Behind the Honor
Shohei Ohtani’s 2025 season with the Los Angeles Dodgers has been nothing short of spectacular, earning him the title of the team’s most complete player by FOX Sports. This recognition reflects Ohtani’s unique blend of elite hitting, pitching, athleticism, and leadership, making him one of the most versatile and impactful players in Major League Baseball today. Here’s a detailed look at why FOX Sports considers Shohei Ohtani the Dodgers’ most complete player this year.
Dual Threat: Elite Hitting and Pitching Performance
What sets Ohtani apart from virtually every other player in the league is his rare ability to excel both as a hitter and a pitcher. In the 2025 season, Ohtani has maintained a .290 batting average with 23 home runs and 39 RBIs, complemented by an outstanding OPS of 1.008, showcasing his consistent offensive production23. His presence in the Dodgers’ lineup adds tremendous power and run-producing capability, making him a constant threat at the plate.
On the mound, Ohtani’s career pitching stats are equally impressive. Over 86 career games, he has compiled a 38-19 win-loss record with a 3.01 ERA and 608 strikeouts in 481.2 innings pitched2. His ability to dominate opposing hitters with a diverse arsenal of pitches gives the Dodgers a significant advantage. This dual role is extraordinarily rare in modern baseball, and Ohtani’s continued success in both areas cements his status as a complete player.
Consistency and Durability
FOX Sports highlights Ohtani’s remarkable consistency and durability as key factors in their evaluation. Despite the physical demands of being a two-way player, Ohtani has appeared in 67 games this season, contributing both offensively and on the mound3. His ability to maintain high performance levels across multiple roles without significant injury setbacks is a testament to his conditioning, work ethic, and resilience.
His steady batting average near .290 and steady power numbers reflect a player who can be counted on game after game. Meanwhile, his pitching performances have kept the Dodgers competitive in crucial matchups, providing invaluable innings and strikeouts.
Impact Beyond the Stat Sheet: Leadership and Intangibles
Ohtani’s impact extends beyond raw numbers. As a leader and a global baseball icon, he brings a unique presence to the Dodgers clubhouse. FOX Sports notes his professionalism, humility, and work ethic as qualities that inspire teammates and elevate the entire team’s performance.
His ability to handle the pressures of being a two-way star, media attention, and the expectations of a storied franchise like the Dodgers speaks volumes about his character. This leadership and mental toughness are vital components of what makes him the team’s most complete player.
Historical Significance and Record-Breaking Potential
Ohtani’s 2025 season is already being compared to some of the greatest two-way performances in baseball history. His combined offensive and pitching WAR (Wins Above Replacement) ranks among the highest in the league, illustrating his overall value to the Dodgers7.
He is on pace to continue breaking records and setting new standards for two-way players, a role that has been almost extinct in the modern era. His ability to excel simultaneously as a pitcher and hitter places him in a league of his own, reminiscent of legends like Babe Ruth but with a modern twist.
Advanced Metrics and Analytical Excellence
From an analytical standpoint, Ohtani’s numbers are outstanding. His on-base percentage (.383) and slugging percentage (.625) combine for an OPS well over 1.000, placing him among the elite hitters in the league35. Defensively, although primarily serving as a designated hitter, his pitching metrics such as strikeout rate and ERA demonstrate his dominance on the mound.
These advanced metrics reinforce FOX Sports’ assessment of Ohtani as a player who contributes significantly in multiple facets of the game, making him indispensable to the Dodgers’ success.
Versatility and Team Value
Ohtani’s versatility allows the Dodgers to maximize their roster flexibility. His ability to pitch every fifth day and hit in the lineup on other days gives manager Dave Roberts a strategic advantage. This flexibility is invaluable in a long, grueling season and critical playoff scenarios.
FOX Sports emphasizes that few players in baseball history have offered this level of impact in both pitching and hitting, making Ohtani a unique asset and the epitome of a complete player.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Complete Player
FOX Sports’ decision to name Shohei Ohtani the Los Angeles Dodgers’ most complete player in 2025 is a reflection of his unparalleled combination of hitting prowess, pitching excellence, durability, leadership, and historical significance. His ability to influence the game on both sides of the ball, coupled with his consistency and mental toughness, sets him apart not only on the Dodgers but across Major League Baseball.
As Ohtani continues to rewrite the record books and redefine what it means to be a two-way player, his status as the Dodgers’ most complete player is well deserved. For fans and analysts alike, Shohei Ohtani represents the future of baseball—a player who transcends traditional roles and elevates the game to new heights.