Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani Closes in on First 40-40 Season. When Could He Accomplish It?

Shohei Ohtani is on pace 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 Tuesday against the Seattle Mariners, adding to his 39 home runs this season. Earlier this month, he was the third-fastest player to reach the 30-30 mark. Ohtani appears likely to hit the 40-homer mark this week, with the Dodgers in the midst of a nine-game home run. His 40th steal is also within reach.

Five players 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 record Ohtani likely won’t reach.)

Fastest to 40-40?

Ohtani is about to join the 40-40 club earlier in a season than any of his peers. Canseco stole his 40th base on September 23, 1998. Bonds reached 40 steals on September 27, 1996. Rodriguez hit his 40th home run on September 19, 1998. Soriano stole his 40th base on September 16, 2006. And Acuña hit his 40th home run on September 22, 2023.

The other five continued through September before reaching the 40-40 mark. Ohtani could do so in August.

Ohtani has every chance of hitting a home run against any pitcher. However, tough opposition could prevent him from getting those numbers this week.

The Dodgers close out their series against the Mariners, who lead MLB with a 3.48 ERA and rank 22nd in home runs allowed with 130 on Wednesday. Following Seattle, the Tampa Bay Rays have a 3.94 ERA and the third-most home runs allowed with 155. Next up, the Baltimore Orioles travel to Dodger Stadium. The Orioles should be a tough opponent regardless, with the best record in the American League (73-52) and a 36-24 away mark. The O’s 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 the season. Given that he leads the National League in home runs, runs batted in, hitting percentage and OPS, his third MVP award in four seasons also seems a near certainty.