Shohei Ohtani has firmly established himself as Major League Baseball’s premier talent over the past five years, currently pursuing his fourth MVP award in the 2025 season. Since signing a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers ahead of this year’s campaign, Ohtani has accumulated numerous exclusive milestones that underline his extraordinary impact on the sport.
Key Performance Leads Dodgers to Victory at Petco Park
During Wednesday’s game, the Dodgers secured a 5-2 win over the San Diego Padres, completing their three-game series sweep at Petco Park. Ohtani contributed with a 1-for-5 performance, including a crucial triple in the ninth inning that set up the final run for Los Angeles. This triple marked his 39th extra-base hit of the season and his fifth triple, with more than half the season still remaining. Impressively, Ohtani has recorded at least five triples in each of the past five seasons, while also exceeding 20 home runs this year.
Joining Mike Trout and Joe DiMaggio in an Elite Group
According to ESPN insider Alden Gonzalez, Ohtani’s combination of power and speed puts him in exceptional company alongside his former teammate Mike Trout and New York Yankees legend Joe DiMaggio. He tweeted that Ohtani is the first player since Trout (2012-2016) to have five consecutive seasons with at least five triples and 20 home runs, and he is on track to become the first since DiMaggio (1937-1941) to post five straight seasons with at least 30 home runs and five triples.
Shohei Ohtani is already the first player with five consecutive seasons of 5 triples and 20 homers since Mike Trout from 2012 to 2016, according to @ESPNStatsInfo. He’ll eventually become the first since Joe DiMaggio (1937 to 1941) with five straight 30-homer, 5-triple seasons.
— Alden González, MLB Insider
Ohtani’s Early Career and Growing Success With the Dodgers
Ohtani spent the first six years of his major league career alongside Mike Trout with the Los Angeles Angels. During that span, he earned the American League Rookie of the Year award in 2018 but never experienced postseason play as a team. Transitioning to the Dodgers, Ohtani’s career has flourished with both individual and team accomplishments, including his first postseason appearances, winning the National League pennant, and claiming a World Series title.
His exceptional 2023 season earned him the National League MVP unanimously, after he hit 54 home runs and stole 59 bases. This achievement made him only the second player in MLB history, following Hall of Famer Frank Robinson, to win MVP honors in both the American and National Leagues.
Current Season Performance and Future Outlook
Through the 2025 campaign, Ohtani maintains an impressive .290 batting average with a .383 on-base percentage and a .625 slugging percentage. Alongside 11 stolen bases and 23 home runs, his OPS+ stands at 185 with a 3.2 bWAR, reinforcing his position as a leading MVP candidate. However, his pitching role remains on hold following elbow surgery he underwent after his final season with the Angels, leaving questions about how a potential return to the mound might influence his overall contributions.
Significance of Ohtani’s Milestones for Baseball’s Future
Shohei Ohtani’s rare blend of power, speed, and dual-threat capabilities continues to redefine what is possible in baseball. By matching milestones achieved by icons like Mike Trout and Joe DiMaggio, he not only cements his legacy but also inspires a new era of players. His ongoing pursuit of records and team success with the Dodgers will attract significant attention as the season progresses, with fans and analysts eager to witness how his journey unfolds.