You don’t reach superstar status at the MLB level without making some sacrifices and putting in some serious work.
Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani knows this first-hand, because he has had to work twice as much as your average major leaguer.
Yes: he has to prepare to be an ace on the mound, and he also has had to work to become a middle-of-the-order slugger that the entire league fears.
There is no one like Ohtani in MLB, and his incredible performance starts from way before spring training.
In fact, camps still haven’t officially opened yet and he already looks fine on the mound.
Shohei putting in that work. 👀
📹: https://t.co/KmlWgyP7Ze pic.twitter.com/RSZGbO71qA
— MLB (@MLB) February 7, 2023
He uploaded a video to his official Instagram account in which he is seen throwing a bullpen session.
First, he popped the catcher’s mitt with a fastball, and he finished (his participation in the short clip, at least) with a slider.
Both pitches are already looking in midseason form.
Ohtani, who is entering the last season of team control with the Angels, is determined to compete for a World Series.
If the Angels aren’t able to work out an extension, he will test the free agent waters after the Fall Classic this year.
He is expected to make a run at the first $500 million contract in MLB history.
For now, though, he is preparing with the most immediate objective in mind: the World Baseball Classic.
For the first time in his career, he is a member of Team Japan in the international event.
It will be a very interesting year for the two-way phenom.
NEXT: Shohei Ohtani Is Already Putting In The Work For 2023
