Shohei Ohtani steals 49th base, moves closer to 50-50

Yesterday at 07:15 PM

One day after hitting his 48th home run, the Dodgers superstar steals his 49th base of the season

Shohei Ohtani moved one step — okay, several steps — toward the first 50-50 season in major league history. The Dodgers designated hitter stole his 49th base of the season on Wednesday against the Marlins.

Only two pitches into the first inning, Ohtani singled to left field against Miami left-hander Ryan Weathers, then stole second base right away on the first pitch to Mookie Betts. The throw got away, and allowed Ohtani to advance to third base.

Ohtani's 49th stolen base comes one day after he hit his 48th home run.

Not only has no MLB player ever had a 50-50 season, but before Ohtani no player had more than 42 of both home runs and stolen bases. He got to 43-43 way back on August 30, and has climbed the ladder ever since.

The 49 steals are nearly double Ohtani's previous career of 26, accomplished in 2021 with the Angels. In the modern era, the Dodgers have only had 12 seasons of 50 or more stolen bases, done by seven different players.

Ohtani has really picked up his pace on the bases over the second half of the season. He stole 12 bases in July and 15 in August, and along with his 12 home runs during August had one of the best power-speed months in major league history, just the eighth player ever with double digits in both homers and steals in a single month.

After Wednesday, the Dodgers have 10 more games remaining on their schedule to add to his totals.