Shohei Ohtani is on the verge of making Major League Baseball history by becoming the sixth player to join the prestigious 40-40 club, which consists of hitting 40 home runs and stealing 40 bases in a single season. As of now, Ohtani has hit 39 home runs and stolen 37 bases, putting him just within reach of this rare achievement.
With the Los Angeles Dodgers beginning a nine-game home stand this week, Ohtani is likely to hit his 40th home run and potentially reach 40 steals soon.
Only five players have previously achieved the 40-40 milestone, starting with Jose Canseco in 1988, followed by Barry Bonds, Alex Rodriguez, Alfonso Soriano, and most recently, Ronald Acuña Jr. in 2023.
Acuña managed to steal 60 bases last season, a number Ohtani may not reach, but he still has the chance to join this exclusive group, adding another remarkable accomplishment to his already impressive career.
What makes Ohtani’s pursuit even more significant is the possibility of him achieving this feat faster than any of his predecessors. Previous 40-40 club members reached their milestones late in September, but Ohtani could potentially join the club in August, making his season even more extraordinary. This would further highlight his unique talents and solidify his place in baseball history.
However, Ohtani faces some challenges in the upcoming week as the Dodgers are set to play against strong pitching teams like the Seattle Mariners, Tampa Bay Rays, and Baltimore Orioles.
These teams have some of the best ERAs in the league and have allowed relatively few home runs, which could make it tougher for Ohtani to reach his goals. Despite this, Ohtani’s prowess at the plate and on the bases makes him a strong contender to achieve the 40-40 milestone.
Barring any injuries, it seems inevitable that Ohtani will reach the 40-40 mark before the end of the season.
His remarkable performance this year, where he leads the National League in several key categories, including home runs, runs scored, slugging percentage, and OPS, positions him as a favorite to win his third MVP award in four seasons, further cementing his legacy as one of the most versatile and talented players in MLB history.
