Shohei Ohtani reaches 20 HRs, poised for first MLB season crown

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani. Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Shohei Ohtani first to reach 20 home runs, poised for first MLB season crown

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated May 27, 2025 11:04 PM ET

Shohei Ohtani has already accomplished everything imaginable during his MLB career. However, he's on track to add one more achievement to the list in 2025.

Ohtani became the first player to reach 20 home runs when he went yard in the Dodgers' 9-5 win over Cleveland on Tuesday. The three-time MVP now leads Major League Baseball in home runs, as he has two more than Aaron Judge, Cal Raleigh and Kyle Schwarber, who are all tied with 18.

Ohtani's most recent homer was a two-run shot with one on and one out in the fourth inning. He's now hitting .296 with 35 RBI, a .657 slugging percentage and a 1.053 OPS in 53 games.

Shohei Ohtani, your MLB leader in homers with 20! pic.twitter.com/HEyWKBmreF
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) May 27, 2025

While Ohtani has led a league in home runs twice — once in the American League with the Angels and then last year as a Dodger, he's never hit more than any other player throughout all of MLB in a given season.

When he hit 44 in 2023, three National Leaguers hit more, with Matt Olson claiming the honor for Atlanta with 54. Last year during his historic debut season in the National League, Ohtani crushed 54 homers. But his 54 only led the NL since Judge smashed 58 for the Yankees.

Ohtani has already established a career full of history. The 30-year-old Oshu, Japan, native started off his career being named Rookie of the Year. He's already been named MVP three times — twice with the Angels and once with the Dodgers — and has been part of a World Series champion and World Baseball Classic winner. He's only in his eighth MLB season.

Ohtani became the first player to ever reach 50 home runs (54) while stealing 50 bases (59) in a season. The early part of his career even saw him split time as a hitter and pitcher, posting numbers that harkened back to Babe Ruth.

Now, despite enduring a bit of a "down" season in some respects, at least compared to his most recent years, 2025 still has a chance to be a memorable year with a big first for Ohtani.

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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