Video: Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani Sets Single-Season SB Record for Japanese-Born Player

Zach BacharContributor ISeptember 28, 2024

Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Shohei Ohtani continues to break records.

The Los Angeles Dodgers star recorded his 57th stolen base of the year in the second inning of the team’s matchup with the Colorado Rockies on Friday, setting a new single-season record by a Japanese-born player.

Bleacher Report @BleacherReportShohei Ohtani just set the single-season stolen base record by a Japanese-born player 🔥💨

(via @MLB)

pic.twitter.com/ZcMzCC8xUs

The previous mark of 56 belonged to 10-time All-Star Ichiro Suzuki, who stole 56 bases as a member of the Seattle Mariners during the 2001 season.

Ohtani’s 57 steals are the second-most among all MLB players this year, only trailing Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz.

After signing a 10-year contract with a total value of $700 million with the Dodgers in free agency, the 30-year-old has been exceptional at the plate during his first season with the organization. Although the two-way star hasn’t been able to take the mound since undergoing elbow surgery in Sept. 2023, that hasn’t stopped him from making an impact for Los Angeles.

Ohtani has racked up 53 home runs, 127 RBIs and 37 doubles to go along with his 57 steals.

He owns a .306/.387/.643 slash line and has continued to improve as the 2024 season has progressed. Over his last 10 games entering Friday night’s action, Ohtani recorded 22 hits in 48 plate appearances.

The two-time MVP became the first player in MLB history to tally 43 homers and 43 steals in the same season on Aug. 30 before joining the 50-50 club with an incredible 6-for-6 performance on Sept. 19.

Bleacher Report @BleacherReportSHOHEI OHTANI IS THE FIRST MLB PLAYER TO JOIN THE 50/50 CLUB ⭐️

LEGEND.

(via @MLB)pic.twitter.com/HP9cLT3TPw

MLB @MLB6-FOR-6
THREE HOME RUNS
10 RUNS BATTED IN

SHOHEI OHTANI HAVE MERCY 🤯 pic.twitter.com/VMJp9OqgjZ

The Dodgers currently own the best record in the National League at 95-64, giving Ohtani a strong chance to become the first player with AL and NL MVP awards under his belt since Hall of Fame outfielder Frank Robinson in 1966.

With Los Angeles clinching the NL West title on Thursday, Ohtani is set to make the first postseason appearance of his career.