Dave Roberts: Shohei Ohtani ‘Very Comparable’ But Barry Bonds ‘In A Class By Himself’

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has had the privilege of being around some of the game’s greatest players during his time in MLB, both as a player and manager.

On the offensive side, Shohei Ohtani and Barry Bonds are two of the most prominent names that Roberts has become familiar with over the course of his career. The Dodgers’ skipper is in the midst of his second season managing Ohtani and their time together has been nothing short of spectacular.

Ohtani became the first 50/50 player in MLB history last season under Roberts’ watch, demonstrating a one-of-a-kind blend of power and speed the game had not yet seen. Roberts believes that Ohtani belongs in the same tier of hitters as Bonds, but still gives the edge to the seven-time National League MVP.

In Roberts’ eyes, Bonds’ ability with the bat in his hands is unequaled, according to Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:

“I think that they’re in the top of their field as far as hitters,” Roberts said. “Barry just had a shorter swing. I think that, if you’re talking about slug, it’s very comparable. But Barry was just, to be quite frank, Barry’s the best hitter I’ve ever seen. To be able to hit .300-something every year, to get on base the way he got on base, to be able to swing the bat three times a week and hit three homers, it will never happen again.
 
“But in today’s game, you’re talking about (Aaron) Judge and Shohei as kind of the guys. But Barry, for me, is in a class by himself.”

Roberts joined the San Francisco Giants in 2007 for Bonds’ final season. He witnessed the Giants’ Hall of Fame member hit .276/.480/.565 with 14 doubles and 28 home runs that year.

In eight seasons, Ohtani has twice had an on-base plus slugging percentage over 1.000, with a career high of 1.066 in 2023. Bonds had 15 seasons with an on-base plus slugging greater than 1.000 during his 22-year Major League career, including his final season as a 43-year-old.

Dave Roberts compares Shohei Ohtani to Barry Bonds

Roberts previously said Ohtani and Bonds are the two best players he has ever seen. While Roberts gives Bonds the edge at the plate, he believes Ohtani’s ability in the clutch tops that of any player he’s ever seen.