Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ powerhouse designated hitter and talented pitcher, became the first player in Major League Baseball to reach 20 home runs in the 2025 season on Tuesday. This milestone underscores his continued dominance and puts him on track for a potentially record-breaking year. Ohtani achieved this feat during a game against the Cleveland Guardians, connecting with a pitch from Tanner Bibee.
Details on Ohtani’s 20th Home Run and Statistical Highlights
Ohtani’s 20th home run came in the fourth inning off a first-pitch cutter thrown by Bibee. The ball left Ohtani’s bat at a speed of 104.5 miles per hour, traveling an impressive 362 feet. Although not the most eye-popping homer of the season, Statcast data suggests this hit would have cleared the fences in 21 of the 30 MLB stadiums. With 20 home runs now, Ohtani leads notable sluggers Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees and Kyle Schwarber of the Philadelphia Phillies, who each have 18 homers.
Comparing Current and Past Performances
In 2024, Ohtani did not reach his 20th homer until the Dodgers’ 75th game, but this season he accomplished the milestone by game 55. This earlier timing places him on a pace to finish with about 59 home runs in 2025, surpassing last season’s National League-leading total of 54. That 2024 campaign was historic as Ohtani became the first player ever with 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in the same season. Currently, at age 30, Ohtani boasts a slash line of .297 batting average, .395 on-base percentage, and .660 slugging percentage, marking some of the best offensive numbers of his career.
Ohtani’s MVP Prospects and Pitching Return Timeline
This level of production has firmly placed Ohtani in the conversation for a third consecutive Most Valuable Player award. His batting statistics and underlying batted-ball data indicate even stronger performances could follow. As of now, Ohtani stands as the favorite to win the 2025 National League MVP, with betting odds at -190 according to FanDuel. Though he has not pitched in a game since undergoing elbow surgery last year, Ohtani is progressing toward returning as a starting pitcher, possibly joining the Dodgers’ rotation in the second half of the season. Meanwhile, he continues to excel as one of the best hitters in the league.
Current Team Standing and Season Outlook
The Dodgers entered Tuesday with a 33-21 record, holding a two-game lead over the San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants in the NL West division. Ohtani’s combination of power hitting and eventual pitching comeback is pivotal to the Dodgers’ chance for postseason success. His remarkable talent and pace to nearly 60 home runs in the 2025 season emphasize his significant role in shaping the playoff race and MLB history.