The Ohtani Advantage: Why Baseball’s Two-Way Rule Isn’t as Unfair as Craig Counsell Thinks
Baseball, like life, loves a good controversy. And this week, it’s all about Shohei Ohtani, the Dodgers’ two-way phenom, and whether his roster designation gives his team an unfair edge. Cubs manager Craig Counsell certainly thinks so, calling the two-way rule “bizarre” and essentially an offensive loophole. But personally, I think Counsell’s gripes are less about fairness and more about frustration. Let me explain.
The Rule in Question: A Loophole or a Celebration of Talent?
The two-way player rule allows teams to carry a player like Ohtani as both a hitter and a pitcher without sacrificing a roster spot. In the Dodgers’ case, this means they effectively have 14 pitchers instead of 13. What makes this particularly fascinating is how it highlights the rarity of Ohtani’s talent. He’s not just a good pitcher or a good hitter—he’s elite at both. The rule exists because players like him are unicorns.
From my perspective, Counsell’s complaint feels like sour grapes. The rule isn’t new; it’s been around since 2020. But no one batted an eye when Ohtani was with the Angels, a team that wasn’t exactly lighting up the league. Now that he’s with the two-time defending World Series champs, suddenly it’s a problem? If you take a step back and think about it, this isn’t about the rule—it’s about the Dodgers’ success and Ohtani’s dominance.
The Skill Gap: Why Ohtani Is the Exception, Not the Rule
One thing that immediately stands out is how Ohtani’s two-way status exposes the skill gap in baseball. Counsell suggests the rule is “offensive,” but what he’s really saying is that his pitchers can’t hit like Ohtani. And he’s right—they can’t. The rule isn’t unfair; it’s a reflection of Ohtani’s unparalleled ability.
What many people don’t realize is that the two-way rule isn’t exclusive to Ohtani. Any player can qualify if they meet the criteria: 20 innings pitched and 20 games started as a position player or DH. Shota Imanaga, for example, could theoretically qualify if Counsell gave him enough at-bats. But here’s the kicker: Imanaga isn’t a good hitter. The rule isn’t the problem—the lack of Ohtani-level talent is.
The Dodgers’ Strategy: Genius or Circumstance?
The Dodgers’ six-man rotation, made possible by Ohtani’s designation, is another point of contention. But here’s where I think people are missing the bigger picture. Even without the two-way rule, the Dodgers would likely use a six-man rotation. They’d just cycle through relievers in the last bullpen spot. What this really suggests is that the rule isn’t giving them an advantage so much as it’s allowing them to maximize Ohtani’s unique skill set.
A detail that I find especially interesting is how the rule was quietly amended in 2024 to allow players to qualify based on performance in any of the two previous seasons. This change, seemingly tailored to Ohtani, ensured he kept his two-way status after his elbow surgery in 2024. Is it a bit convenient? Sure. But it’s also a testament to how much MLB values Ohtani’s presence in the game.
The Broader Implications: Is Baseball Evolving or Exploiting?
This raises a deeper question: Is baseball evolving to accommodate exceptional talent, or is it exploiting loopholes for competitive advantage? Personally, I think it’s a bit of both. The two-way rule was introduced to celebrate players like Ohtani, but it’s also been manipulated to benefit specific teams. Michael Lorenzen’s agent tried to market him as a two-way player a few years ago, but it never stuck because Lorenzen wasn’t Ohtani.
What this really highlights is the tension between tradition and innovation in baseball. The sport is slow to change, but Ohtani is forcing it to adapt. And while some, like Counsell, see this as unfair, I see it as a necessary evolution. Baseball needs stars like Ohtani to stay relevant, and if that means bending the rules a little, so be it.
Final Thoughts: The Ohtani Effect
As the Dodgers and Cubs face off this weekend, all eyes will be on Ohtani. But the real story isn’t his performance—it’s the debate he’s sparked. In my opinion, the two-way rule isn’t unfair; it’s a reflection of baseball’s struggle to balance tradition with progress. Ohtani is a once-in-a-generation talent, and the rule exists to celebrate that. If other teams want the same advantage, they need to find their own Ohtani.
So, is the rule bizarre? Maybe. But what’s truly bizarre is expecting baseball to stay the same in a world where players like Ohtani exist. The game is changing, and personally, I’m here for it.
