Shohei Ohtani hit a major milestone on Saturday night.
In a 10-0 victory against the Oakland Athletics, Ohtani became the first player this season to achieve a 30-30 season. He stole three bases and went 2 for 5 with a walk. With this performance, he now boasts 33 home runs and 31 stolen bases, ranking second and third in the majors respectively. His impressive stats also include a .309/.400/.627 slash line and an OPS+ of 187.
Ohtani’s achievement is noteworthy as he’s never reached the 30-30 mark before; his closest attempt was in 2021 when he fell short by four stolen bases. This feat marks the 70th time in MLB history that a player has achieved a 30-30 season. Interestingly, it’s the fifth occurrence since new rules were introduced at Opening Day in 2023 to make base stealing easier .
Historic Feat:
Ohtani joins an elite group of Dodgers players who have accomplished this feat: Matt Kemp (2011) and Raúl Mondesi (1997, 1999). He’s also among the fastest players in MLB history to reach this milestone, achieving it in just his team’s 111th game (and his own 108th), tying with Bobby Bonds for third-fastest. Eric Davis holds the record for reaching it fastest at just 105 games back in ’87.
Fans might think Ohtani has a real shot at recording only the sixth-ever 40-40 season next. Ronald Acuña Jr., despite being injured now, joined that exclusive club last year alongside Alfonso Soriano (2006), Alex Rodriguez (1998), Barry Bonds (1996), and José Canseco (1988).
Several other players are close to joining Ohtani in the coveted club before this season ends. Francisco Lindor has matched both home runs and steals at twenty-two each, while José Ramírez stands at twenty-nine homers and twenty steals. Bobby Witt Jr., too, is making waves with twenty homers and twenty-five steals.
What do you think about Ohtani’s amazing season?
