What Does it Mean to be a Two-Way Player in MLB?
When it comes to Major League Baseball (MLB), there is no one-size-fits-all definition of a two-way player. Generally, a two-way player is someone who is proficient in both pitching and batting. This means that they have the ability to contribute to their team’s success both offensively and defensively.
The term “two-way player” is not an official designation in MLB, but it is often used to describe players who can contribute in both areas of the game. Some players, like Shohei Ohtani, are true two-way players, as they are able to both pitch and hit. Other players, like the Chicago Cubs’ Kris Bryant, can play multiple positions but are primarily known for their ability to hit.
No matter how you define it, two-way players bring a unique set of skills to the game and can be a valuable asset to any team. In this article, we’ll take a look at who the best two-way players are in MLB today.
The Best Two-Way Players in MLB Today
When it comes to two-way players, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Different players excel in different areas, and there are a number of players who can be considered the “best” two-way players in the league. Here are some of the top two-way players in MLB today.
Shohei Ohtani
Shohei Ohtani is the most prominent two-way player in MLB today. He is a Japanese-born player who signed with the Los Angeles Angels in 2018. Ohtani is a true two-way player, as he can both pitch and hit. He is a left-handed pitcher with a fastball that can reach up to 100 mph, and he is also a powerful hitter with a career batting average of .280.
Ohtani is widely considered to be the best two-way player in the league today, and he is a valuable asset to the Angels.
Kris Bryant
Kris Bryant is a third baseman for the Chicago Cubs. He is primarily known for his ability to hit, as he has a career batting average of .287 and has hit 199 home runs in his career. He is also a capable fielder, as he has a .979 fielding percentage in his career.
Bryant is an underrated two-way player who can contribute to his team in multiple ways. He is a valuable asset to the Cubs and is one of the best two-way players in the league.
Mike Trout
Mike Trout is one of the best players in baseball today, and he is also a two-way player. He is a center fielder for the Los Angeles Angels and is primarily known for his ability to hit, as he has a career batting average of .306 and has hit 393 home runs in his career.
However, Trout is also a capable fielder, as he has a .987 fielding percentage in his career. He is a valuable asset to the Angels and is one of the best two-way players in the league.
Corey Kluber
Corey Kluber is a pitcher for the Texas Rangers. He is primarily known for his ability to pitch, as he has a career ERA of 3.13 and has struck out 2,052 batters in his career. He is also a capable hitter, as he has a career batting average of .222.
Kluber is an underrated two-way player who can contribute to his team in multiple ways. He is a valuable asset to the Rangers and is one of the best two-way players in the league.
J.D. Martinez
J.D. Martinez is an outfielder for the Boston Red Sox. He is primarily known for his ability to hit, as he has a career batting average of .292 and has hit 302 home runs in his career. He is also a capable fielder, as he has a .983 fielding percentage in his career.
Martinez is a valuable member of the Red Sox and is one of the best two-way players in the league.
Max Scherzer
Max Scherzer is a pitcher for the Washington Nationals. He is primarily known for his ability to pitch, as he has a career ERA of 3.18 and has struck out 2,621 batters in his career. He is also a capable hitter, as he has a career batting average of .210.
Scherzer is a valuable asset to the Nationals and is one of the best two-way players in the league.
Manny Machado
Manny Machado is an infielder for the San Diego Padres. He is primarily known for his ability to hit, as he has a career batting average of .281 and has hit 272 home runs in his career. He is also a capable fielder, as he has a .981 fielding percentage in his career.
Machado is a valuable asset to the Padres and is one of the best two-way players in the league.
Nolan Arenado
Nolan Arenado is a third baseman for the Colorado Rockies. He is primarily known for his ability to hit, as he has a career batting average of .295 and has hit 292 home runs in his career. He is also a capable fielder, as he has a .972 fielding percentage in his career.
Arenado is a valuable asset to the Rockies and is one of the best two-way players in the league.
The Debate: Who is the Best Two-Way Player in MLB?
There is no definitive answer to who is the best two-way player in MLB today. Different players excel in different areas, and it is ultimately up to the individual to decide who they think is the best.
That being said, there are a few players who stand out as the top two-way players in the league. Shohei Ohtani is widely considered to be the best two-way player in the league today, as he is able to both pitch and hit. Other top two-way players include Kris Bryant, Mike Trout, Corey Kluber, J.D. Martinez, Max Scherzer, Manny Machado, and Nolan Arenado.
What Makes a Good Two-Way Player?
In order to be a successful two-way player, a player needs to be proficient in both pitching and batting. This means that they need to be able to contribute to their team’s success both offensively and defensively.
A good two-way player needs to be able to hit for power, have a good batting average, have a strong arm, and have the ability to field their position. Additionally, they should have the ability to think quickly on their feet and make smart decisions in game-time situations.
Conclusion
Two-way players bring a unique set of skills to the game and can be a valuable asset to any team. There is no definitive answer to who is the best two-way player in MLB today, but there are a few players who stand out as the top two-way players in the league.
Shohei Ohtani is widely considered to be the best two-way player in the league today, but other top two-way players include Kris Bryant, Mike Trout, Corey Kluber, J.D. Martinez, Max Scherzer, Manny Machado, and Nolan Arenado.
In order to be a successful two-way player, a player needs to be proficient in both pitching and batting. They should be able to hit for power, have a good batting average, have a strong arm, and have the ability to field their position. Additionally, they should have the ability to think quickly on their feet and make smart decisions in game-time situations.
No matter who you think is the best two-way player in MLB today, there is no denying that two-way players bring a unique set of skills to the game and can be a valuable asset to any team.