Shohei Ohtani has made headlines once again, achieving a remarkable milestone in Major League Baseball history. The Dodgers star hit a walk-off grand slam against the Rays on Friday night, marking his 40th home run of the season. This feat makes him the fastest player ever to reach the 40-home run mark in MLB history, achieving it in just 126 games. He is the first player in Dodgers history to join the prestigious 40/40 club and only the sixth player in MLB history to do so.
Entering the game, Ohtani had 39 home runs and 39 stolen bases. He stole a base in the fourth inning, but after a groundout in his next two at-bats, he faced a crucial moment in the bottom of the ninth with the game tied, the bases loaded, and two outs. Ohtani responded by hitting the first pitch he saw from Colin Poche over the right-center field fence, leading the Dodgers to a 7-3 victory.
Ohtani’s achievement breaks the previous record of 147 games to reach 40 home runs set by Alfonso Soriano in 2006. With over a month left in the season, Ohtani has the chance to become the first player in MLB history to finish a season with 45 home runs and 45 stolen bases.
In reviewing past 40/40 seasons, several notable players stand out.
In 1988, Jose Canseco became the first player to achieve a 40/40 season, finishing with a batting average of .307 and 42 home runs alongside 40 stolen bases. In 1996, Barry Bonds hit 42 home runs and stole 40 bases, although his team finished last, impacting his MVP consideration.
Álex Rodríguez posted impressive numbers in 1998 with 42 home runs and 46 stolen bases, leading the AL in several hitting categories, yet still finishing ninth in MVP voting due to his team’s performance.
Alfonso Soriano, in 2006, became the first player to achieve over 45 home runs and 40 stolen bases in a season, yet the Nationals’ last-place finish likely affected his MVP candidacy.
In 2023, Ronald Acuña Jr. made history with a 40/70 season, hitting 41 home runs and stealing 73 bases, securing the NL MVP award.
Now, in 2024, Ohtani’s current stats stand at .292 with 40 home runs and 40 stolen bases as of August 23rd, positioning him for potential MVP recognition and a chance at achieving a remarkable 50/50 season.