Shohei Ohtani. The name is synonymous with baseball’s modern “two-way player”—a rare breed capable of dominating both on the mound and at the plate. But could another player join Ohtani in this exclusive club in 2025? Michael Lorenzen is aiming to do just that.
Lorenzen, a veteran right-handed pitcher, is reportedly considering adding hitting to his repertoire, not just for personal glory, but for a strategic advantage. The goal? To increase his value to contending teams.
The motivation behind Lorenzen’s plan stems from a unique roster quirk. As it stands, MLB teams are limited to 13 pitchers on their active roster. Though, teams with a designated “two-way player,” like Ohtani, are granted an exception, allowing them to carry 14 pitchers. This provides a notable competitive edge, particularly in the playoffs, offering greater bullpen flexibility and matchup advantages.
Lorenzen’s ambition is clear: to become that coveted “two-way player” and provide a team with that extra roster spot.It’s about maximizing value and creating opportunities,”
a player agent familiar with the situation told ArchySports, speaking on condition of anonymity. In today’s game, versatility is king.
But achieving this status isn’t as simple as picking up a bat. MLB has specific criteria. To qualify as a two-way player, Lorenzen must pitch at least 20 innings and record at least three plate appearances in at least 20 games during the 2025 season.Meeting these requirements would grant him two-way status for both 2025 and 2026.
The challenge lies in convincing a team to give him those opportunities. Lorenzen’s primary value is as a pitcher,and dedicating at-bats to a player who isn’t a proven hitter is a risk. As baseball analyst keith law pointed out, Teams are increasingly data-driven. They’re not going to hand out at-bats for sentimental reasons. Lorenzen needs to show he can be at least a league-average hitter to make this work.
potential landing spots for Lorenzen are limited to teams willing to gamble on his hitting potential. Teams like the Miami Marlins or Chicago White Sox, currently in rebuilding phases, might be more open to experimenting.However,even these teams would need to see tangible progress during spring training.
One potential scenario involves Lorenzen signing with a team like the Marlins or White Sox, showcasing his two-way abilities, and then being traded to a contender at the trade deadline. This would allow a playoff-bound team to acquire a valuable pitcher with the added bonus of an extra roster spot.
the value of that extra roster spot in the playoffs cannot be overstated. In a high-stakes environment where every matchup matters, having an additional reliever or situational hitter can be the difference between winning and losing.Consider the 2022 World Series,where the Houston Astros’ bullpen depth proved to be a crucial factor in their victory. an extra arm in that situation could have swung the series in a different direction.
Though, there are counterarguments to consider. some argue that dedicating at-bats to Lorenzen would be a waste of offensive opportunities, especially for a team with playoff aspirations. Others question whether the marginal benefit of an extra roster spot outweighs the potential cost of a less effective hitter in the lineup.
Despite these concerns, Lorenzen’s plan is undeniably intriguing. If he can successfully navigate the challenges and prove his worth as a two-way player, he could become a valuable asset for a contending team. And for Lorenzen, it’s a chance to carve out a unique place in baseball history, joining Shohei Ohtani in the pantheon of modern two-way stars.
The success of Lorenzen’s plan hinges on several factors: his ability to improve his hitting skills, a team’s willingness to provide him with opportunities, and his performance on the mound. Only time will tell if he can pull it off, but one thing is certain: his pursuit of two-way status is a fascinating storyline to watch as the 2025 season approaches.
