Shohei Ohtani has made history once again by becoming the first National League player since 1932 to reach 120 runs in a single season. On Tuesday, while representing the Los Angeles Dodgers, Ohtani scored his 120th run during his 109th game of the season, a feat unmatched in the modern era of the league.
This achievement positions Ohtani alongside legendary players as he continues to chase historic records, marking a significant milestone in his ongoing pursuit of excellence.
Comparison to Legendary Players and Ohtani’s MVP Ambitions
Ohtani’s milestone draws direct comparisons to Hall of Famer Chuck Klein, who scored 120 runs in 109 games in 1932 before finishing the season with 152 runs and winning the National League MVP award. Like Klein, Ohtani hopes to secure back-to-back MVP honors this year after having won the award previously.
Unlike Klein, who never pitched, Ohtani contributes on both offense and the mound. Through his continued success, he demonstrates his all-around prowess by leading the league in OPS (1.018) and slugging percentage (.625), while also topping the National League in runs scored. Additionally, Ohtani has made a notable pitching return this season, throwing 27.1 innings.
Ohtani’s Place Among National League’s All-Time Run Scorers
Chuck Klein still holds the modern National League record for most runs scored in a season with 158 in 1930, a mark Ohtani is closing in on this year. If Ohtani continues at his current pace, he will surpass nearly all National League players over the past 125 seasons, including legends such as Rogers Hornsby (1929) and Kiki Cuyler (1930).
Only a handful of players in recent decades have reached a comparable number of runs scored. Jeff Bagwell, inducted into the Hall of Fame, is the only player since 1949 to score more than 150 runs in a season, reaching 152 runs in 2000 for the Houston Astros.
Ohtani’s Essential Role in Dodgers’ Offensive Success
Ohtani’s impact extends well beyond individual achievement, as he has accounted for 120 of the Dodgers’ MLB-leading 657 runs scored this season. This means he has directly contributed to approximately one out of every 5.5 runs the team has amassed through mid-August.
Despite some challenges faced by key teammates, Ohtani’s consistency continues to elevate the Dodgers’ offense. Mookie Betts, the team’s frequent number two hitter, has recently rebounded from an extended slump, improving his batting average and RBIs in recent games after a slow start earlier in the season.
Recent Developments and Ohtani’s Health Status
While an injury scare on Wednesday briefly caused concern about Ohtani’s availability, he appears to be unharmed and ready to maintain his contributions on the field. This is crucial for the Dodgers as they aim to keep their strong season momentum alive.
With Ohtani playing nearly every game this year, he remains on track to finish the season among the top run scorers in recent National League history. His performance is not only a personal triumph but also a critical element of the Dodgers’ pursuit of success this season.
Looking Ahead: Historical Benchmarks and Legacy Potential
Shohei Ohtani’s remarkable scoring pace places him within reach of historic records that have stood for nearly a century. While surpassing Chuck Klein’s single-season runs record would be extraordinary, maintaining consistency throughout the remainder of the season will already solidify Ohtani’s place in baseball history.
His achievements bring renewed attention to the Dodgers and highlight his unique dual-threat capability as a player, underscoring the growing impact he has on the sport and his team’s championship aspirations.
“Shohei Ohtani has scored 120 runs in 124 games this season. It is the fewest games into a season in the modern era for 120 runs in the NL since Chuck Klein with 109 games in 1932. pic.twitter.com/lIPrVSHthk” — OptaSTATS