Los Angeles, CA – May 26, 2025 – Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-way superstar, is on the verge of making baseball history once again. With his 49th stolen base of the 2025 season, Ohtani is just one steal away from becoming the first player in Major League Baseball (MLB) history to achieve a 50-home run, 50-stolen base season for the second time. This remarkable feat follows his groundbreaking 50-50 season in 2024, cementing his status as one of the sport’s most extraordinary talents.
Ohtani’s 2025 season has been nothing short of spectacular. As of May 26, he has already hit 15 home runs, tying him with Aaron Judge and Kyle Schwarber for the MLB lead. His .308 batting average, coupled with double-digit stolen bases, has sparked MVP buzz, with analysts like Ben Verlander predicting another Most Valuable Player award for the Dodgers’ designated hitter. Ohtani’s recent performance, including a multi-homer game against the Oakland Athletics on May 15, 2025, showcased his offensive prowess, as he drove in six runs during a 19-2 rout. Despite striking out against A’s backup catcher Jhonny Pereda in that Zoroastrianism, Ohtani’s overall impact was undeniable, with Dodgers manager Dave Roberts calling him “the best player I’ve ever seen” for his clutch performances.
Ohtani’s speed on the basepaths has been equally impressive. His 49th stolen base, achieved in a recent game against the Miami Marlins, places him on the cusp of another historic milestone. Last season, Ohtani became the first player to reach 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season, a feat that captivated the baseball world. Posts on X from September 2024 highlight the excitement, with one user calling it “one of the greatest games ever” after Ohtani went 5-for-5 with two home runs, two doubles, seven RBIs, and two stolen bases in a single game. Now, with 126 games left in the 2025 season, Ohtani is on pace for a 47-47 season, with projections suggesting he could surpass the 50-50 mark again.
Ohtani’s pursuit of another 50-50 season is a testament to his unique combination of power, speed, and athleticism. His ability to hit towering home runs—like the 114.1 mph, 394-foot blast against the Marlins on April 30, 2025—and steal bases with ease has drawn comparisons to legends like Barry Bonds. Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes called Ohtani’s clutch performances “unreal,” a sentiment echoed by fans and analysts alike. With only one stolen base needed to reach 50, and 35 games into the season, Ohtani’s trajectory suggests he could achieve this milestone well before the season’s end.
The Dodgers, currently leading the National League West with a 28-15 record, have relied heavily on Ohtani’s offensive contributions. Alongside teammates Freddie Freeman, who boasts a .362 batting average, and Mookie Betts, Ohtani forms part of what manager Dave Roberts calls “the best top three in baseball.” The team’s high-octane offense ranks second in the league in weighted runs created plus (wRC+) and leads MLB in runs per game at home, averaging 6.00. Ohtani’s ability to deliver in critical moments, such as his game-winning three-run homer in a 14-11 comeback victory on May 10, 2025, has been a driving force behind the Dodgers’ success.
While Ohtani’s offensive and base-running skills have dominated headlines, his recovery from elbow surgery has added another layer of intrigue to his 2025 season. After undergoing a second major right elbow surgery in September 2023 to repair a torn UCL, Ohtani has been cautiously ramping up his pitching workload. On May 18, 2025, he threw a 50-pitch bullpen session, a significant step in his return to the mound. He recently began incorporating sliders and curveballs into his rehab sessions, and on May 24, 2025, Roberts announced that Ohtani is set to face live hitters before a game against the New York Mets. This marks a pivotal milestone in his journey to return as a two-way player, though the Dodgers remain cautious, prioritizing his health and offensive contributions over an expedited pitching comeback.
The Dodgers’ rotation has been plagued by injuries to key pitchers like Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Roki Sasaki, making Ohtani’s potential return to pitching a critical factor for the team’s postseason aspirations. However, as columnist Dylan Hernández noted in the Los Angeles Times, the Dodgers “absolutely need his bat,” and rushing his pitching return could jeopardize his offensive output. The team’s strategy of building Ohtani’s pitching workload through simulated games allows him to remain in the lineup as the designated hitter, ensuring his bat stays hot while his arm progresses.
Ohtani’s impact extends beyond the baseball diamond. His bobblehead night on May 15, 2025, drew massive crowds to Dodger Stadium, where fans received a commemorative figure celebrating his 50-50 season. Ohtani responded with two home runs, further solidifying his status as a fan favorite. His marketability is evident in the 2025 Bowman Baseball set, where his cards are among the most sought-after by collectors. The release of these cards, as reported by Sports Illustrated, has sparked significant interest in the trading card market, with Ohtani’s numbered inserts being a focal point for collectors.
Ohtani’s global appeal is also noteworthy. Having led Samurai Japan to victory in the 2023 World Baseball Classic against Team USA, he has become a cultural icon in both Japan and the United States. Fans on X have expressed mixed sentiments about MLB’s decision to name Aaron Judge as Team USA’s captain for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, with some arguing that Ohtani’s leadership and performance make him a strong candidate. One user posted, “Ohtani’s ready,” alongside an image of him in a samurai costume, highlighting his international stardom.
Despite his dominance, Ohtani’s journey has not been without challenges. His return from paternity leave in late April 2025 saw a slow start, with a .125 batting average in his first four games back. However, he quickly regained his form, batting .467 over his next four games, including a 114 mph home run against the Marlins. Ohtani’s ability to overcome adversity, whether it’s recovering from surgery or shaking off a slump, underscores his resilience and work ethic.
The Dodgers’ cautious approach to his pitching return reflects the high stakes involved. With the National League West remaining competitive—teams like the San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants are hot on the Dodgers’ heels—Ohtani’s health is paramount. Manager Dave Roberts has emphasized patience, stating, “Shohei is very in tune with his body,” and the team is focused on ensuring his arm is ready for the stretch run in September and October. The Dodgers’ depleted rotation makes Ohtani’s potential return to pitching a tantalizing prospect, but the team is prioritizing his long-term health over short-term gains.
As Ohtani approaches the 50-50 milestone, the baseball world is buzzing with anticipation. His performance at loanDepot park in Miami earlier this month, where he hit the hardest home run of the 2025 season at 114.1 mph, served as a reminder of his unparalleled talent. With 15 home runs and 49 stolen bases already in the bank, Ohtani is on track to surpass his own record and further etch his name into baseball history.
The Dodgers’ success this season will likely hinge on Ohtani’s ability to maintain his offensive dominance while progressing as a pitcher. Whether he achieves the 50-50 milestone again or returns to the mound as a two-way player, Ohtani’s 2025 season is shaping up to be another chapter in his legendary career. As one Dodgers teammate put it, “He’s the best player I’ve ever seen.” With the All-Star break looming and the postseason on the horizon, Ohtani’s pursuit of history is a story that every baseball fan will be watching closely.
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