Shohei Ohtani is on track to become the sixth player in Major League Baseball history to hit 40 home runs and steal 40 bases.
The Los Angeles Dodgers superstar stole his 38th base on Tuesday against the Seattle Mariners, in addition to his 39th home run of the season. Earlier this month, he was the third-fastest player to reach the 30-30 threshold. Ohtani appears likely to reach the 40-homer mark this week, with the Dodgers in the midst of a nine-game homestand. His 40th steal is also within reach.
Five players have preceded Ohtani in the 40-40 club, starting with Jose Canseco in 1988. He was followed by Barry Bonds (1996), Alex Rodriguez (1998), Alfonso Soriano (2006) and Ronald Acuña Jr. last season. (Acuña stole 60 bases last season, a mark Ohtani is unlikely to match.)
As fast as possible to get to 40-40?
Ohtani is on his way to joining the 40-40 club before in a season than any of his peers. Canseco stole his 40th base on Sept. 23, 1998. Bonds reached 40 steals on Sept. 27, 1996. Rodriguez hit his 40th homer on Sept. 19, 1998. Soriano stole his 40th base on Sept. 16, 2006. And Acuña hit his 40th homer on Sept. 22, 2023.
The other five went into September before reaching the 40-40 mark. Ohtani could do so in August.
It’s a safe bet for Ohtani to hit a home run against any pitching staff. However, some tough opponents could prevent him from putting up those numbers this week.
The Dodgers will complete their series against the Mariners, who lead MLB with a 3.48 team ERA and rank 22nd in home runs allowed with 130, on Wednesday. Following Seattle are the Tampa Bay Rays with a 3.94 ERA and the third-most home runs allowed with 155. Next up, the Baltimore Orioles visit Dodger Stadium. The Orioles figure to be a tough matchup anyway, with the American League’s best record (73-52) and a 36-24 mark on the road. The Orioles also have a 3.94 ERA while allowing the seventh-fewest home runs, with 129.
Barring an unfortunate and untimely injury, Ohtani will reach the 40-40 mark before the end of this season. Given that he leads the National League in homers, runs scored, slugging percentage and OPS, his third MVP award in four seasons also seems a certainty.