Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani has received a lot of attention for his 40-40 season.
Ohtani became the sixth member of the 40-40 club, faster than any other player in MLB history. His 40th home run was not only a walk-off for the Dodgers, but a game-winning grand slam. He is well on his way to become the first 50-50 player in MLB history, demonstrating how unique a talent he is.
Ohtani isn’t the only player who could make the 40-40 club this season, though. Jose Ramirez, the Cleveland Guardians’ third baseman, had a.275/.332/.531 batting line in 580 plate appearances as of Monday, with 34 home runs, 31 doubles, and 34 stolen bases. He is on pace to hit exactly 40 homers and steal 40 bases, which would make him the seventh member of the 40-40 club.
Ohtani isn’t the only one who has stolen Ramirez’s luster. Aaron Judge, a Yankees outfielder, is aiming for another 60-homer season. Shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. is also having a strong all-around season and is a key reason why the Royals are in playoff contention. Jarren Duran of the Red Sox, Gunnar Henderson of the Orioles, and Juan Soto of the Yankees are all generating a lot of buzz. Despite his remarkable performance, Ramirez may not place in the top five in the AL MVP voting.
This is not new for Ramirez. In 2022, Fivethirtyeight.com dubbed him “baseball’s least appreciated superstar”. This is still the case in 2024, as the perennial All-Star has quietly delivered another strong year. Ramirez has been the cornerstone of the Guardians’ victory in 2024. A 40-40 season may be all that Ramirez needs to get his due.
