Shohei Ohtani, the designated hitter for the Los Angeles Dodgers, is on track to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season for the first time in MLB history.
In August, Ohtani became the sixth player in MLB history to hit 40 home runs and steal 40 bases in a single season. He also became the Dodgers’ quickest player and the first to record 40 of each in a single season.
Because he hit the historic milestone so early in the season compared to his predecessors, Ohtani has had more time to strive for 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a season, a feat that has evaded every player in MLB history to date.
So far in 2024, Ohtani has 48 home runs and 48 stolen bases, meaning he only needs three home runs and two stolen bases to break history. Ohtani has 11 more games left in the season to break this record, and he will have the opportunity during the Dodgers’ series against the Miami Marlins, Colorado Rockies, and San Diego Padres.
Mike Trout, Ohtani’s former teammate and Los Angeles Angels center fielder, expects Ohtani will achieve 50/50, but he also offers some advise.
“I think he’s gonna get it,” Trout told Fredo Cervantes. “Just can’t be pressuring when he reaches 49; it’ll be difficult. I definitely enjoy seeing him try to chase that.”
Ohtani has stated throughout his pursuit for 50/50 that his first goal is to help his team win, and hitting more home runs and stealing more bases will help him accomplish so. Even if the main goal is to win, achieving 50/50 would be a great accomplishment for the 30-year-old superstar.
Ohtani is also on his way to participating in the postseason for the first time in his MLB career, which he did not have the opportunity to do while playing with Trout. Despite having two MVPs and perennial All-Stars in Trout and Ohtani, the Angels were never able to make the playoffs with both of them on the same roster.
Instead, Ohtani is set to make his first career MLB postseason appearance with the Dodgers, who are presently leading the National League West. The Dodgers have yet to officially clinch a postseason berth or the division title, but they are anticipated to do so in the closing weeks of the season.
