Ohtani + deGrom, can you imagine? Now you don't have to

March 24th, 2022

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani is a man of many talents, and apparently doing impressions of other players is another one of them.

Japanese TV cameras caught Ohtani mimicking Mets ace Jacob deGrom’s delivery before throwing a bullpen session at the Angels' Minor League complex. Ohtani held his glove up close to his face before starting a delivery that looked just like deGrom’s. A man of detail, Ohtani also made sure to include the two-time National League Cy Young Award winner’s leg kick in his version. 

Ohtani, the reigning American League MVP, was doing it to entertain his interpreter Ippei Mizuhara and pitching coach Matt Wise to keep things loose during Spring Training. Japanese reporters who cover Ohtani regularly say he enjoys imitating other player’s deliveries and holds deGrom in high regard.