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MLB Analysts Highlight Amazing Shohei Ohtani Stat Before Dodgers-Yankees Series

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Toran Flores | Last updated May 30, 2025 3:40 PM ET

Shohei Ohtani is widely regarded as one of the best – if not the best – baseball player in the world.

Although we haven't seen Ohtani pitch in nearly two years, the eight-year veteran has played as the Los Angeles Dodgers' designated hitter since joining the team in 2024 and has been nothing but dominant.

In helping lead the Dodgers to a World Series championship in his first year with the team, Ohtani was able to hit an individual milestone in his first year in a Dodgers uniform.

He became the first player in MLB history to tally 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season in 2024.

To begin the 2025 season, Ohtani has taken on the leadoff hitting role for the Dodgers, and he's helped push the team to a NL West leading 34-22 record so far this season.

Before the World Series rematch between Los Angeles and the New York Yankees takes place on Friday night, MLB analysts spoke on Ohtani's major role in the Dodgers' lineup.

So far this season, Ohtani is leading the league in home runs (20) and runs (59). His ability to tie power hitting with exceptional speed on the bases has put him on pace to do something we haven't seen in nearly 90 years.

"He's got a shot to get more than 154 runs, which we have not seen in almost 90 years... This guy continues to amaze us in so many different ways," MLB insider Tom Verducci said.

There's a lot of factors that will have to happen in order to tally 154 runs, but the last time the league saw a player get over 154 runs in a single season was Lou Gehrig in 1936 when he had 167.

Shohei Ohtani is on pace for 171 runs – a mark that would rank third all-time and further cement his name in MLB history.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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