"There's a reason why it's never been done, but if anyone can do it, it's Shohei Ohtani" - Dave Roberts on Dodgers star's historic season
When Shohei Ohtani hit the walk-off grand slam against the Tampa Bay Rays to reach the 40-40 club, 21 games faster than anyone in history, everyone knew the Dodgers star was aiming for history. Now, the Japanese star aims to be the inaugural member of the 50-50 club.
On Friday, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts discussed why the generational player deserves to reach the feat.
"I mean there is a reason why it's never been done. I guess if you are looking at skill set, then if there's anyone that can do it, it's Shohei. The stolen bases are meaningful bags, then the home runs, they have impacted wins for us. It is just such a remarkable season, so storybook. You know when you think he can't rewrite the script or rise to a certain expectation at any moment, he does," Roberts said on MLB Network's Managers at the Mic podcast.
Ohtani has 44 home runs and 46 stolen bases. He created history by becoming the first player to record a 43-43 or 44-44 season. Ohtani has 22 games left in the Dodger's regular season to complete his quest and cap off a stellar debut free agency season.
Why will Shohei Ohtani's 50-50 season be so iconic?
While the other 40-40 club members tried their best to keep a healthy balance between home runs and stolen bases, no one in the 50-home run club has ever come to Shohei Ohtani's baserunning pace. The only players closest to the 50-50 mark are Willie Mays (51-24 in 1955) and Alex Rodriguez (54-24 in 2007).
Even though the debate remains that stealing bases has become easier thanks to new rules, Ohtani's credibility lies in his 92% success rate, which is the 5th highest for anyone who has completed 46 stolen bases. Moreover, his tall and well-built physique makes it harder to steal bases.
The designated hitter's baserunning is a sign that the Dodgers, like other teams, have adopted offensive aggressiveness with increasing base-stealing rates. They will hope Ohtani continues to dazzle at the plate and in between bases.