Shohei Ohtani Edges Closer to Historic 50-50 Season with 48th Home Run

Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani continues to chase baseball history, moving closer to becoming the first player ever to achieve a 50-50 season in Major League Baseball. Ohtani blasted his 48th home run of the season during the Dodgers’ series opener against the Miami Marlins, inching towards this unprecedented milestone.

The two-time AL MVP connected in the third inning off Marlins starter Darren McCaughan, sending a two-run shot over the wall. Despite Ohtani’s efforts, the Dodgers fell 11-9 to the Marlins. However, with 48 home runs and 48 stolen bases, Ohtani is now tied for the second-most homers in a single season in Dodgers history. Only Shawn Green’s 49-homer season in 2001 stands ahead of him.

This latest feat adds to Ohtani’s remarkable 2024 campaign, where he became the first player in over a century to combine 85 extra-base hits with at least 45 stolen bases in a single season. Now, just two home runs and two stolen bases away from reaching the iconic 50-50 mark, Ohtani is cementing his place among baseball’s all-time legends.

While Ohtani is recovering from elbow surgery and hasn’t been able to pitch, his bat continues to drive the Dodgers’ postseason push. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged that the pressure of making history might be on Ohtani’s mind, but the slugger remains focused on helping his team win games.