Baseball has long been a sport of specialization.
Most players focus on either hitting as a position player or pitching, rarely both. In recent years, however, a remarkable shift has begun: the rise of true two-way players.
These are athletes who contribute both as pitchers and hitters at the Major League level. While still extremely rare, two-way players are influencing how teams build rosters and how fans view star talent.
This article explores the history of two-way players, highlights modern examples, and examines what their rise means for baseball’s future.
Historical Roots From Ruth to Rogan
Babe Ruth and the Early Two-Way Era
One of the most famous two-way players in history is Babe Ruth. Early in his career, he excelled as both a pitcher and a hitter. With the Boston Red Sox, he was a dominant pitcher, and he also showed promise at the plate.
Another legendary two-way player was Bullet Joe Rogan, who starred in the Negro Leagues for the Kansas City Monarchs. Rogan excelled as both a pitcher and an outfielder, maintaining high performance in both roles over a long career. Two-way players were more common in the early 20th century, but their presence declined as baseball increasingly emphasized specialization.
Why They Disappeared
Over time, teams realized that players who focused exclusively on pitching or hitting could achieve higher performance levels. The introduction of the Designated Hitter in the American League in 1973 also reduced the need for pitchers to bat, further diminishing the role of two-way players.
The Modern Two-Way Revolution
Shohei Ohtani: The Game-Changer
Shohei Ohtani has become the face of the modern two-way movement. Since joining MLB in 2018, he has excelled both as a pitcher and as a hitter. Ohtani won the American League Rookie of the Year Award in his first season. In 2021, he hit 46 home runs while maintaining an excellent ERA on the mound, earning him the AL MVP.
He became the first player in recent history to meet both pitching and hitting leaderboards requirements in the same season. Ohtani won a second unanimous MVP in 2023, demonstrating that a true two-way player can dominate in both roles and change how teams evaluate talent.
New MLB Rules to Support Two-Way Players
In 2020, MLB introduced an official two-way player designation. A player must pitch at least 20 innings in the current or one of the two previous seasons and must start at least 20 games as a position player or DH, with a minimum of three plate appearances in each.
Once designated, a two-way player retains this status for the rest of the season and postseason. Two-way players do not count toward the roster limit on pitchers, giving teams flexibility to maximize their value.
The Ohtani Effect
Ohtani’s success has inspired teams to consider two-way talent more seriously. Young players now see that excelling in both pitching and hitting can lead to stardom.
Clubs are also rethinking roster construction, as a two-way player offers unique advantages and increased flexibility. Despite the excitement, fully qualified two-way players remain extremely rare, and the role requires careful management to avoid injury or performance decline.
Other Two-Way Players Today
Brendan McKay
Brendan McKay was a top two-way player in college, winning the John Olerud Award three times. The Tampa Bay Rays managed his workload in the minors by alternating pitching and hitting roles.
He made his MLB debut primarily as a DH but had previous experience as a pitcher. Injuries have limited his ability to maintain a full two-way role, highlighting both the potential and the challenges of developing players in both positions.
Michael Lorenzen
Michael Lorenzen has also shown two-way potential. While primarily a pitcher, he has played in the outfield and hit at the major league level, including a historic game where he hit a home run, earned the win as a pitcher, and played in the field.
In recent years, he has focused mostly on pitching, though he remains capable of contributing offensively if the opportunity arises. Lorenzen’s journey underscores that even talented players may need to focus on one role due to team strategy and durability concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are two-way players so rare in MLB?
Two-way players are rare because excelling in both pitching and hitting is extremely difficult. Teams generally prefer players to specialize to maximize performance, and the physical demands of playing both roles are significant.
What rules does MLB have now for two-way players?
MLB’s 2020 rules require at least 20 innings pitched and 20 starts as a position player or DH, with three plate appearances each. Once designated, two-way players do not count against the pitcher roster limit, providing strategic flexibility.
Can any player just try to become a two-way player?
In theory, a player can attempt a two-way role, but teams will only support it if the player can handle both responsibilities and if it fits the roster strategy.
Does Shohei Ohtani count against the team’s pitcher limit?
No. Because he meets the two-way criteria, he does not count toward the limit of pitchers on a game roster.
Are there risks for teams using two-way players?
Yes. Managing injuries, workload, and fatigue is complex. Players may not be equally skilled in both roles, and the dual responsibility increases physical strain.
Is the two-way trend only about Ohtani?
While Ohtani is the most prominent example, other players and MLB rule changes show a growing interest in two-way talent, even if fully qualified two-way players remain rare.
Conclusion
- Two-way players were once more common but largely disappeared due to specialization and the DH rule.
- Shohei Ohtani has proven that excelling as both a pitcher and hitter is possible, redefining how teams and fans view player value.
- Players like Brendan McKay and Michael Lorenzen show the potential and challenges of developing two-way talent.
- Despite the excitement, fully designated two-way players are extremely rare, and teams must carefully manage workload and strategy.
- If the trend continues, young players may aim to master both pitching and hitting, offering fans more moments of remarkable athleticism.
Read More:
- Why Left-Handed Pitchers Have Always Been MLB’s Biggest X-Factor
- The Importance of Clubhouse Leaders in MLB Success
- MLB’s Greatest Moments Fans Never Forget
This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.
