Shohei Ohtani’s remarkable season can be encapsulated in one statement: unable to pitch in 2024, he turned to stealing nearly 60 bases.
While Ohtani has exhibited speed throughout his career, his achievement of 59 stolen bases this year marks a significant leap from his previous high of 26. The former and future MVP has clearly made a deliberate choice to create chaos on the bases, and the increase in steals cannot solely be attributed to recent MLB rule changes—he only managed 20 steals in 2023, the year those changes were enacted.
This strategic shift has made Ohtani the first player in MLB history to achieve a 50-50 season, positioning him for a potential third MVP award, his first in the National League.
In terms of speed, Ohtani averaged a sprint speed of 28.1 mph this season, ranking 152nd among 488 players with at least 25 competitive runs, according to Baseball Savant. While he displays above-average speed, it does not align with the high number of steals he has accumulated. Ohtani’s speed does not compare to that of stolen base leader Elly De La Cruz, who boasts a sprint speed of 30 mph. Instead, Ohtani’s speed is closer to the league average of 27 mph.
Despite this, Ohtani has capitalized on his opportunities on the basepaths. His ability to draw walks allows him more chances than many players, and his height gives him an edge in covering ground between bases. However, taller players can also be slowed down, an observation that both Ohtani (6-4) and De La Cruz (6-5) have defied with their base-running success.
“You don’t expect a guy to be built like that to be able to move how he does,” said teammate Gavin Lux in May, reflecting on Ohtani’s unique talent on the bases.
Understanding the situation, including how big of a lead to take and when to run, is crucial. Ohtani’s impressive success rate of 93.7 percent on stolen base attempts showcases his proficiency in these aspects.
Among the fastest players in the 2024 MLB season, here are the top 12 average sprint speeds (mph) for players with at least 25 competitive runs:
1. Bobby Witt Jr. – 30.5, Royals, SB: 31
2. Johan Rojas – 30.1, Phillies, SB: 25
3. Elly De La Cruz – 30.0, Reds, SB: 67
4. Tyler Fitzgerald – 30.0, Giants, SB: 17
5. Pete Crow-Armstrong – 30.0, Cubs, SB: 27
6. Victor Scott II – 30.0, Cardinals, SB: 5
7. Jorge Mateo – 29.9, Orioles, SB: 13
8. Jose Siri – 29.9, Rays, SB: 14
9. Garrett Hampson – 29.8, Royals, SB: 7
10. Jeremy Pena – 29.8, Astros, SB: 20
11. Johnny DeLuca – 29.8, Rays, SB: 16
12. Wyatt Langford – 29.8, Rangers, SB: 19
Although Ohtani can run, he does not rank among the leaders at 28.1 mph. Sprint speed does not directly correlate with stolen base totals. Many of the speedsters in the league are part-time players, as speed alone does not warrant a daily lineup spot. Others, like Witt, are cautious of potential injuries and avoid taking too many risks.
Ohtani, alongside De La Cruz, showcased a style of play this season focused on generating excitement on the base paths. His ability to achieve 59 stolen bases despite not having elite speed makes his accomplishment even more impressive.