Will Shohei Ohtani be the first MLB player since 2001 to reach 400 total bases in a single season? Dodgers star en route for another milestone
Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani has added several accolades to his name after joining the Los Angeles Dodgers for the 2024 season. Due to elbow surgery he underwent last year, Ohtani has only focused on hitting for his team this season.
Despite not pitching, Ohtani's focus has shown in his hitting stats, where he is currently leading or ranked in the top three of several categories. He recently achieved a remarkable milestone, becoming the first player in MLB history to reach the 50-50 mark in a single season.
However, that’s not all. Ohtani is set to reach another milestone by the end of the 2024 season. He currently leads the majors with 391 total bases and is set to become the first player in over two decades to surpass the 400 total bases mark.
The last time this feat was achieved was in 2001 when Sammy Sosa (425), Luis Gonzalez (419), Barry Bonds (411) and Todd Helton (402) all surpassed 400 total bases. Ohtani is projected to finish the season with 406 total bases, placing him among this elite group.
The record for most total bases in a single season in Major League Baseball history is held by Babe Ruth, who recorded 457 total bases in 1921.
Yankees’ Aaron Judge could compete with Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani for most total bases in 2024 season
After Shohei Ohtani, the player with the second-most total bases in the 2024 season is Aaron Judge, with 379. The New York Yankees captain is on pace to finish the season with 394 total bases.
Although Judge was on pace for 400 total bases earlier in the season, his performance has slowed down recently. However, if he goes on a hot streak, he could still compete with Ohtani for the milestone of most total bases in the 2024 season.
Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani are in tight competition for top spot on the home run leaderboard. Judge currently leads MLB with 55 homers and 138 RBIs while hitting .323. Meanwhile, Ohtani has hit 53 home runs, 55 stolen bases and 123 RBIs while hitting .301.
If both Ohtani and Judge finish the season strong and reach 400 total bases, it could further strengthen their respective cases for being named MVP.