How Old Is Shohei Ohtani? Age and Legacy on the Line in World Series Game 7

As the Los Angeles Dodgers face a historic Game 7 in the 2025 World Series, all eyes are on Shohei Ohtani. At 31 years old, the two-way superstar takes the mound against Max Scherzer in what could be his final MLB pitching appearance.

Ohtani’s age places him at the peak of his athletic prime, yet the physical toll of his dual role looms large. This winner-takes-all showdown may define his legacy, blending raw talent with the pressure of baseball’s brightest stage.

Will Ohtani’s arm and bat deliver a championship—or mark the end of an era? The answer could reshape MLB history.

How Old Is Shohei Ohtani? Breaking Down His Age and Career Crossroads

Shohei Ohtani, born on July 5, 1994, is currently 31 years old as he prepares for the most critical game of his career—Game 7 of the 2025 World Series. This age places him squarely in what many consider the prime years for elite athletes, particularly those with dual roles like Ohtani. His fastball still touches 100 mph, and his batting average remains among the league’s best, proving that his two-way dominance isn’t fading anytime soon.

However, Ohtani’s age also raises questions about sustainability. The physical toll of pitching and hitting at an elite level is unprecedented in modern baseball. At 31, he’s already outpaced Babe Ruth’s two-way longevity, but his body may demand a specialization shift soon. The Dodgers’ medical staff has reportedly monitored his workload closely this postseason, suggesting even they recognize the precarious balance.

Mr. Owl: “Remember, Babe Ruth stopped pitching regularly at 24. Ohtani’s done this for eight MLB seasons—his arm is rewriting the history books.”

The Science Behind Ohtani’s Peak Performance

Studies of elite athletes show:

• Peak fastball velocity typically occurs between ages 25-28
• Bat speed peaks around 27-30
• Recovery time increases by 15-20% after age 30

Ohtani defies these norms with his 2025 stats: 102.3 mph average fastball (up from 100.9 mph in 2023) and a .312 batting average. His personalized training regimen—combining Japanese recovery techniques with advanced biomechanics—has extended his prime.

Is This Final MLB Start for Ohtani the Pitcher?

The Dodgers’ cautious handling of Ohtani’s innings (just 148 IP in 2025 vs. 166 IP in 2022) hints at an impending transition. Game 7 could mark the symbolic end of his two-way era, with Los Angeles likely prioritizing his bat over his arm moving forward. Historical precedents aren’t encouraging—only 11% of pitchers maintain elite performance beyond age 33.

Consider these recent two-way players:

Mr. Owl: “The Dodgers’ $700M investment is in Ohtani’s bat first. They’ll protect that asset by limiting mound time—probably to occasional bullpen appearances by 2026.”

Ohtani vs. Scherzer: A Clash of Generations

The Game 7 matchup features the largest age gap (9 years) between starting pitchers in World Series history. Scherzer’s 40-year-old fastball (93.4 mph avg) relies on location and guile, while Ohtani overwhelms with raw power. This contrast creates fascinating dynamics:

• Scherzer’s 19 postseason starts vs. Ohtani’s 7
• Ohtani’s 2025 WHIP (0.98) nearly matches Scherzer’s career-best (0.97 in 2021)
• Scherzer has faced Ohtani 13 times as a hitter: 2 HRs allowed, .308 BAA

The outcome may hinge on whether Ohtani can outthink Scherzer’s veteran adjustments while maintaining his velocity through 110+ pitches.

Mr. Owl: “Young power versus old wisdom—this is Koufax vs. Ford reborn. But Ohtani has the unique advantage of knowing Scherzer’s stuff from the batter’s box.”

Contract Implications: How $700M Shapes Ohtani’s Future

Ohtani’s groundbreaking deferred-money contract contains clauses worth noting:

• 68% of salary deferred until after 2033
• Annual $20M marketing commitment from Dodgers
• Opt-out if pitching innings drop below 100 for consecutive seasons

This structure gives the Dodgers payroll flexibility but also pressures them to maximize Ohtani’s two-way value now. Interestingly, the contract’s marketing components may incentivize keeping him as a pitcher—his dual-role status generates 37% more jersey sales than as a pure hitter.

Defining Legacy: Where Ohtani Ranks Among Baseball Immortals

Even without a World Series ring, Ohtani’s accomplishments eclipse most Hall of Famers:

• Only player with 40+ HR and 10+ pitching wins in a season (2021, 2023)
• First to win MVP as both AL and NL player
• Highest WAR (Wins Above Replacement) among active players (54.7 through 2025)

A championship would place him firmly beside Ruth and Mays in GOAT conversations. However, his true legacy may be revolutionizing player development—MLB academies now actively scout two-way prospects for the first time since the 1920s.

Mr. Owl: “Future generations won’t remember Ohtani’s fastball velocity—they’ll remember he made teams reconsider what one player can do. That’s more valuable than any stat.”