Shohei Ohtani is absolutely tearing it up. He continues to captivate the baseball world in 2024 with his exceptional performance as a hitter. Despite being sidelined from pitching due to injury, Ohtani's batting prowess as designated hitter already has people takling about him winning the MVP award. So, just how good is he? Just how good is the season that he is having? We need some stats and a deep dive. Let's analyse how his performance compares to historical greats.
Ohtani's 2024 Performance
As of May 19, 2024, Ohtani has played 46 games with 183 at-bats. He has accumulated 64 hits, including 16 doubles, 1 triple, and 13 home runs. Additionally, he has driven in 32 runs (RBI), walked 23 times, and struck out 40 times. Not bad, not bad at all...a season for the ages. Or is it?
Total Bases per 9 Innings (TBO9)
The Total Bases per 9 Innings (TBO9) is a metric that captures a player's offensive production by accounting for their total bases accumulated per nine innings. Ohtani's TBO9 of 7.77 this season is noteworthy. It's good, very, very good. BUT....it's not exceptional. It's not historically exceptional. It's not the best season ever, a little persepective. It's not even in the top 100 seasons ever, if he was to keep up this rate. It actually ranks 118th among the best seasons ever recorded.
To provide some context, Barry Bonds holds the top spot with a utterly ridiculous TBO9 of 27.04 during his 2002 season. This was a year when Bonds achieved a batting average of .370, hit 46 home runs, and drew an astounding 198 walks. Similarly, legendary seasons by Babe Ruth, Ted Williams, and Mickey Mantle often saw TBO9 values exceeding 15, underscoring their extraordinary offensive impact during their peak years.
Comparisons and Historical Context
While Ohtani's TBO9 of 7.77 might not place him among the absolute highest in history, it's essential to recognize the broader context of his contributions. Unlike most players on the all-time list, Ohtani is known for his dual-threat capability as both a pitcher and a hitter. However, his current injury has limited him to hitting duties only, but still, it is always worth to remember, he's also one of the best pitchers in the game.
Ohtani's Impact on the Dodgers
Ohtani's performance has been crucial for the Dodgers. His presence in the lineup provides a significant boost, making him a central figure in their quest for postseason success. The combination of his batting statistics, highlighted by his high batting average and slugging percentage, makes him a unique asset.
The Dodgers are well-positioned to leverage Ohtani's talents as they aim for a deep postseason run. His ability to influence games offensively adds a layer of strategic advantage that few teams can match. Despite his inability to pitch, Ohtani's offensive contributions ensure that he remains an invaluable player.
Conclusion
Shohei Ohtani's 2024 season is a testament to his extraordinary talent and versatility. While his TBO9 of 7.77 ranks 118th in historical context, this statistic alone doesn't capture the full extent of his impact. Ohtani's hitting excellence makes his achievements even more significant, highlighting his unique place in baseball history.
As Ohtani continues to perform at an elite level at the plate, he not only entertains fans but also solidifies his legacy as one of the most remarkable players in the modern era. Who knows, maybe he can step it up a little and break into the top 100.