In a thrilling start to the 2025 MLB season, Shohei Ohtani has quickly established himself as one of the league's premier hitters, continuing his legacy as a two-way phenom. After a record-breaking 2024 season where he not only clinched his third MVP award but also made history by achieving the first-ever '50-50' milestone with 54 home runs and 59 stolen bases, Ohtani is back in the spotlight, playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers after a blockbuster move from the Angels.
As of April 26, 2025, Ohtani has already made an impact this season, hitting six home runs. His most recent long ball came on April 17 against the Colorado Rockies, where he not only showcased his power but also recorded the longest flight of the season with a remarkable distance of 136.6 meters. This performance has fans and analysts buzzing about his potential to surpass his previous records this year.
Currently, Ohtani is tied for ninth in the National League home run rankings, trailing behind players like Corbin Carroll of the Diamondbacks, who leads the league with nine home runs. The competition is fierce, and Ohtani's early season performance suggests he is more than capable of climbing the ranks as the season progresses.
Here’s a quick look at Ohtani’s home runs so far this season:
- Home Run 1: March 19 vs. Cubs - 174.4 km/h, 118.5m, 35°
- Home Run 2: March 28 vs. Tigers - 175.0 km/h, 119.0m, 25°
- Home Run 3: April 3 vs. Braves - 165.0 km/h, 118.9m, 31°
- Home Run 4: April 8 vs. Nationals - 164.0 km/h, 115.2m, 28°
- Home Run 5: April 15 vs. Rockies - 180.2 km/h, 124.4m, 30°
- Home Run 6: April 17 vs. Rockies - 187.6 km/h, 136.6m, 32°
Looking back at his career, Ohtani has now hit a total of 231 home runs in Major League Baseball since his debut in 2018. His journey began with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in Japan, where he amassed 48 home runs from 2013 to 2017 before making the leap to MLB. The combination of his Japanese league and MLB stats gives him a staggering total of 273 career home runs as of the end of the 2024 season.
Ohtani's success is not just a testament to his skill but also to his resilience. After undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2019, he bounced back to become a dual-threat player, achieving incredible feats such as being the first player since Babe Ruth to record double-digit wins and home runs in a single season. His 2023 season saw him win the American League home run title, solidifying his place among baseball's elite.
This season, however, Ohtani isn't the only one making headlines in Los Angeles. The Dodgers are reportedly exploring trade options to bolster their lineup, with rumors swirling around a potential acquisition of Nolan Arenado from the St. Louis Cardinals. Arenado's addition could provide the Dodgers with a significant boost, especially considering current third baseman Max Muncy's struggles this season, where his batting average has dipped below .200.
According to CBS Sports' Dane Perry, the Dodgers' interest in Arenado could reignite as Muncy continues to struggle. "If Muncy’s struggles persist, the Dodgers could become a team to watch in the trade market," Perry noted. Arenado, a Southern California native, would bring not only talent but also a sense of homecoming if he were to join the Dodgers.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Ohtani and the Dodgers. With his remarkable talent and the potential for significant roster changes, fans are eager to see how the 2025 season will shape up for this dynamic player and his team.
Ohtani's journey from Japan to MLB has been nothing short of spectacular. Born on July 5, 1994, in Mizusawa City, Iwate Prefecture, he showed prodigious talent from a young age, joining a baseball team at just eight years old. His high school career at Hanamaki Higashi High School was marked by outstanding achievements, including hitting 160 km/h as a pitcher, which drew scouts from around the world. After being drafted first overall by the Nippon-Ham Fighters in 2012, he quickly became a star in Japan before making his MLB debut in 2018.
Fans are now left to wonder how many more records Ohtani will shatter in 2025. Will he continue to build on his impressive home run tally? Can he lead the Dodgers to another World Series title? One thing is certain: Shohei Ohtani is a player to watch, and his journey in Major League Baseball is far from over.
