Shohei Ohtani closes in on MLB history with 46 home runs and 46 stolen bases as he chases the unprecedented 50/50 milestone in his first season with the Dodgers. © @MLB
Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani is on the brink of a historic milestone, one that would further solidify his status as one of the most dynamic players in Major League Baseball. The two-time American League MVP is closing in on becoming the first player ever to achieve a 50-home run, 50-stolen base season.
Ohtani’s Dual- Threat Excellence Continues
While Ohtani’s ability to pitch has been sidelined this season due to injury, his bat and speed have more than made up for it. As of Sunday, following the Dodgers’ game against the Cleveland Guardians, Ohtani has racked up 46 home runs and 46 stolen bases. With 20 games left in the Dodgers’ regular season schedule, Ohtani needs just four more home runs and four stolen bases to achieve the unprecedented 50-50 mark.
The Odds- Will Ohtani Make History?
According to FanDuel, the odds are heavily in Ohtani’s favor. As of Sunday afternoon, the odds for Ohtani reaching the 50-50 milestone stand at -430, meaning it’s a strong likelihood he’ll accomplish the feat. On the flip side, betting on him falling short carries odds of +300.
MLB Network projections are even more optimistic, suggesting Ohtani is on pace to finish with 52 home runs and 53 stolen bases this season.
Fastest to the 40-40 Club
Before chasing 50-50, Ohtani joined the exclusive 40-40 club, becoming only the sixth player in MLB history to do so. He reached this milestone in record time, achieving it in just 126 games. On August 23, in a game against the Tampa Bay Rays, Ohtani stole his 40th base in the fourth inning before delivering a dramatic walk-off grand slam to hit his 40th home run later that night.
Who’s in the 40-40 Club?
Ohtani joins an elite group of players who have reached the 40-40 milestone. The exclusive list includes:
- Jose Canseco (1988): 42 HR, 40 SB in 151 games
- Barry Bonds (1996): 42 HR, 40 SB in 158 games
- Alex Rodriguez (1998): 42 HR, 45 SB in 153 games
- Alfonso Soriano (2006): 46 HR, 41 SB in 147 games
- Ronald Acuña Jr. (2023): 41 HR, 73 SB in 152 games
Dodgers History- Matt Kemp’s Near Miss
While Ohtani might soon become the first Dodger to join the 50-50 club, he isn’t the first player in team history to flirt with the 40-40 mark. In 2011, Matt Kemp came agonizingly close, finishing the season with 39 home runs and 40 stolen bases. Interestingly, Kemp hit home runs in the final game of the 2010 season and on Opening Day in 2012, technically giving him 40-40 across two consecutive seasons—but not within one.
What’s Next for Ohtani?
With 20 games left on the schedule, all eyes will be on Ohtani as he attempts to make history once again. His achievements have already set a new standard in modern baseball, and reaching the 50-50 milestone would only enhance his legendary status in the sport.
Keep up with Ohtani’s pursuit of the 50-50 club and the Dodgers’ push for the playoffs with the latest MLB scores, stats, and updates.
