William James, a key figure in western psychology, once explored the idea of psychical research and made an interesting point: “If you wish to upset the law that all crows are black, you mustn’t seek to show that no crows are; it is enough if you prove one single crow to be white.”
This logic suggests that finding just one exception can challenge long-held beliefs. However, changing behaviors or multi-billion dollar industries isn’t as simple.
Shohei Ohtani’s success hasn’t led to more two-way players in Major League Baseball. When he returns to pitching next spring, he’ll still be the only one at this level.
Challenges for Two-Way Players:
Looking at the upcoming draft class, there are players with two-way talent like Jac Caglianone (Florida), Braden Montgomery (Texas A&M), and Carson Benge (Oklahoma State). But scouts doubt they’ll get a real chance in both roles.
Why is this? Teams prioritize winning games and prefer developing players as either hitters or pitchers. It’s easier and faster than trying to nurture both skills simultaneously. Most players excel in one area more than the other, and teams don’t want delays waiting for their weaker side to improve.
A veteran talent evaluator noted, “I think we’ve seen enough evidence that it’s not going to work unless you’re a supreme talent on both sides.”
Caglianone is an example of these challenges. He’s a strong left-handed hitter with 75 college home runs but has some risk due to his aggressive swing decisions. If he can refine his approach, he might reach the majors quickly .
However, asking him to continue pitching could slow his progress. As a pitcher, he’s shown promise but struggles with command. Developing him as a two-way player could face issues similar to those encountered by Nolan McLean of the Mets.
Fans might wonder why teams don’t take more risks on potential two-way stars.
Some evaluators see value in starting careers as two-way players before settling into one role. The San Francisco Giants allowed Bryce Eldridge and Reggie Crawford this opportunity before focusing on hitting or pitching exclusively.
But there’s skepticism about whether average two-way players offer significant advantages over specialists. Injuries also pose greater risks for those attempting both roles consistently.
The search for an American Ohtani reveals another reality: Ohtani might not have become who he is if he’d gone through American player development systems. Experts agree he would likely have been pushed into hitting or pitching early on.
A player development specialist said, “I think Ohtani would’ve been funneled into hitting.” Another veteran analyst added that without his Japanese track record, Ohtani would have been forced into one role here in America.
Instead, Ohtani stayed in Japan where Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters manager Hideki Kuriyama promised him a chance at being a “nito-ryu” (two-way player).
“Ohtani was nationally famous in Japan even in high school,” noted another scout. This fame gave him leverage most young players lack when entering professional baseball directly from high school or college here.
So while we recognize baseball’s exceptional ‘white crow,’ expecting more anytime soon seems unlikely given current systems and priorities within MLB organizations.
What do you think about having more two-way players?
