Unexpected MLB Slugger Compared to Shohei Ohtani

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Mike El-Far | Last updated Apr 18, 2025 5:55 PM ET

Shohei Ohtani's offensive profile is something that is extremely hard to replicate.

Ohtani's immense power is not found in many other players, as he consistently is among the leaders in home runs every year. Entering play on Friday, Ohtani had six home runs on the season which would be good for a share of the NL lead.

Currently, the MLB leader for home runs is none other than Athletics' Tyler Soderstrom with nine round trippers.

On a recent broadcast on MLB Network, analysts Mark DeRosa and Mike Lowell compared Soderstrom's swing mechanics to the legendary Ohtani.

"Is Tyler Soderstrom Shohei Ohtani?"@mikelowell25 and @markdero7 take a look at the @Athletics young slugger and the similarities in his swing to Ohtani. pic.twitter.com/6KJpIz118y
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) April 18, 2025

"I was just looking at it, this is Ohtani-ish" Lowell said, while a side-by-side of Ohtani and Soderstrom's swings are taking place. "Look at how similar this is, from a prep and load standpoint."

If the Athletics can get Soderstrom to produce even 75% of what Ohtani does at the plate, they will be in a great spot to contend for a Wild Card berth this year.

After their very public and drawn out departure from Oakland, they will spend the next three seasons in Sacramento before heading to their brand new ballpark in Las Vegas.

TYLER SODERSTROM!

His MLB-leading NINTH home run! pic.twitter.com/IRm5BRsla2
— MLB (@MLB) April 17, 2025

The Athletics have some interesting players to watch going forward. The tandem of Tyler Soderstrom and Brent Rooker have as much power as any other duo in the league.

Add in dynamic athletes like Lawrence Butler and Jacob Wilson, and this could be a dark horse playoff team come October.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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