The Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters decided to draft him as a first-round pick in 2012.
He had several All-Star selections in NPB and has also won the rookie of the year award. Ohtani has also been the league's most valuable player in 2016.
On December 8, 2017, Ohtani agreed to a deal with the Los Angeles Angels and has been playing for them ever since.
On March 29, 2017 Ohtani started as the designated hitter for the Los Angeles Angels.
On April 1, 2017, Ohtani made his pitching debut on April and registered his first win by striking out six hitters in six innings while allowing only three runs.
Ohtani registered his first home run on April 3, 2017. A 397-foot three-run homer against pitcher Josh Tomlin.
A new rule was introduced in MLB on March 22, 2022 which allowed a pitcher in the batting order to remain in the game as a designated hitter after they are pulled from the pitching mound. This rule was unofficially named as the "Ohtani rule" owing to his finesse as a two way player.
Ohtani has won the Pacific League Most Valuable player Award in 2016. In 2021 he won the American League Most Valuable Player Award and the Commissioner's Historic Achievement Award.
In 2021 and 2022 he won the Best Major League Baseball Player ESPY Award. In 2022 he won the Best Male Athlete ESPY Award.
Shohei Ohtani has expressed his desire of winning the World Baseball Classic Championship in 2023.