MLB Reddit reacts to Luis Arraez being on pace to match Ichiro Suzuki's historic 2004 season: "Will be exciting as hell if he stays close"

Miami Marlins star Luis Arraez is chasing Ichiro Suzuki, and history, as he is currently on pace to match the single season hit record. The 262-hit record was one many thought would stand forever, but it now has its first challenger. It will be an uphill battle to be sure, but for the first time in a long-time it actually seems possible.

Arraez's torrid pace has impressed and amazed fans around the league, but he will actually need to increase his hit rate to reach 262 hits. Ichiro Suzuki in that 2004 season hit better and better as the season went along, resulting in a once-in-a-generation offensive season.

A graph of the pace both hitters were on in their respective seasons was shared on Reddit.

With 102 hits over 73 team games, Luis Arraez is exactly on pace with Ichiro Suzuki's 2004 season in which he set the single season record with 262 hits. by u/regrinzel in baseball

Baseball has its fair share of 'unbreakable' records, and this was considered to be one of them for a long time. With how much better the pitching and defense across the league has gotten, it seemed we would never reach these offensive heights again. Perhaps the pitch clock and ban of the defensive shift is helping elevate Luis Arraez's shot at Ichiro Suzuki's record.

Comment by u/Specific-Mongoose-93 from discussion With 102 hits over 73 team games, Luis Arraez is exactly on pace with Ichiro Suzuki's 2004 season in which he set the single season record with 262 hits. in baseball

Comment by u/DeliciousStretch1252 from discussion With 102 hits over 73 team games, Luis Arraez is exactly on pace with Ichiro Suzuki's 2004 season in which he set the single season record with 262 hits. in baseball

Comment by u/dgrenie2 from discussion With 102 hits over 73 team games, Luis Arraez is exactly on pace with Ichiro Suzuki's 2004 season in which he set the single season record with 262 hits. in baseball

The Seattle Mariners legend Suzuki became a star as soon as he entered MLB, but the 2004 season rocketed him to the best of the best. His incredible conisistency was something to behold, especially considering it held up over the course of the season.

Comment by u/mysterysackerfice from discussion With 102 hits over 73 team games, Luis Arraez is exactly on pace with Ichiro Suzuki's 2004 season in which he set the single season record with 262 hits. in baseball

Comment by u/PBFT from discussion With 102 hits over 73 team games, Luis Arraez is exactly on pace with Ichiro Suzuki's 2004 season in which he set the single season record with 262 hits. in baseball

Comment by u/PBFT from discussion With 102 hits over 73 team games, Luis Arraez is exactly on pace with Ichiro Suzuki's 2004 season in which he set the single season record with 262 hits. in baseball

Many fans do not think Arraez will be able to keep this pace and reach 262, or more, hits in 2023. He does have a chance of finishing the season with a batting average over .400. Considering he is currently at that mark after 67 games played, it is also possible. Fans also pointed out Ichiro Suzuki missed only one game in that 2004 season, while Arraez has already missed 6.

Comment by u/MOFNY from discussion With 102 hits over 73 team games, Luis Arraez is exactly on pace with Ichiro Suzuki's 2004 season in which he set the single season record with 262 hits. in baseball

Comment by u/ScalabrineIsGod from discussion With 102 hits over 73 team games, Luis Arraez is exactly on pace with Ichiro Suzuki's 2004 season in which he set the single season record with 262 hits. in baseball

Comment by u/jollyjam1 from discussion With 102 hits over 73 team games, Luis Arraez is exactly on pace with Ichiro Suzuki's 2004 season in which he set the single season record with 262 hits. in baseball

The single season hit record is in legitmate danger of being broken, but there is a long way to go until then yet.

Could Luis Arraez win MVP if he breaks Ichiro Suzuki's record in 2023?

Miami Marlins v Philadelphia Phillies

While Luis Arraez is extraordinarily respected in the baseball world, he still has his detractors. There are those who say that his lack of power and ability to drive in runners from first put him in a tier below players like Bryce Harper and Juan Soto. The one way to silence all of those doubters is to break a record nobody thought could be.

If Luis Arraez ends the season with 262 or 263 hits, who could possibly tell him he is not the best offensive player in MLB?