Shohei Ohtani is in a league of his personal.
In only one yr with the Dodgers, he has damaged the profession dwelling run report by a Japanese-born participant and have become the sixth member of the unique 40-40 membership. Regardless of being restricted to solely batting, Ohtani has established himself as the most effective participant within the Nationwide League.
With each recreation, Ohtani is inching towards the title of the most effective participant in all of baseball. After reaching 40 homers and 40 stolen bases, the four-time MLB All-Star emerged as the one huge leaguer to succeed in the 43-43 mark. He stored climbing in Monday’s recreation towards the Diamondbacks and reached 44-44.
In the identical recreation, he logged two extra stolen bases. Ohtani is as much as 46 stolen bases this season — practically double his former career-high from 2021 (26). His 44 dwelling runs are simply two in need of a brand new profession excessive. Now, Ohtani is simply 4 stolen bases and 6 homers away from beginning his membership as the one MLB participant in historical past to attain a 50-50 season.
It’s unusual for a participant to be a constant dwelling run hitter and have the velocity to steal bases. Throughout MLB, the highest 5 dwelling run hitters all have fewer than 20 stolen bases, and most have but to succeed in double digits. Yankees’ Aaron Choose has 51 homers however solely seven steals. The Braves’ Marcell Ozuna ranks fourth with 37 dwelling runs however has not stolen a base this season.
Aside from Ohtani, the one participant within the high 10 who can hit dwelling runs and steal bases is the Guardians’ José Ramírez, who’s as much as 34-34.
This has been a repeating theme all through MLB historical past. Most gamers are both dynamic base stealers or sturdy dwelling run hitters. It’s uncommon to discover a participant that may do all of it.
Moreover, Ohtani has hit the ball more durable than another Dodgers participant since 2015. He persistently launches homers at triple-digit velocity, nearing 120 mph.
A participant like Ohtani comes round as soon as in a technology. He’ll go down in historical past as among the finest ever to play the sport. This season will stand as irrefutable proof.
Picture Credit score: Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
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