Shohei Ohtani inches closer to MLB history with 47th stolen base as 50-50 chase continues

Shohei Ohtani's chase for the elusive 50-50 club (50 home runs and 50 stolen bases) got one base steal closer as the Dodgers' two-way star registered the season's 47th stolen base on Monday against the Chicago Cubs.

In the bottom of the third inning, Kyle Hendricks walked Ohtani after retiring Miguel Rojas and Chris Taylor to start the inning. With Mookie Betts at the plate, Ohtani stole second off Hendricks. However, the steal couldn't materialize in a run as the Cubs' starter got through the innings unscathed as Max Muncy lined out to first to end the innings.

Shohei Ohtani's current tally includes 46 home runs and 47 stolen bases. He is already the only member in MLB history to have reached 45-45 club in a season. And now whatever he'll end up with will be the new benchmark for the MLB.

Shohei Ohtani focused on giving his best in the field despite unprecedented hitting

While the entire MLB world is marveling at Shohei Ohtani's unprecedented hitting, the Japanese slugger remains steadfast in giving his best every game and not being conscious of the record:

“I’m trying to be less conscious of that [the possibility of getting to 50-50] and just focus on doing a good job on the field and whenever possible during the game, whether it’s stealing bases or moving to the next base, that’s what I’m trying to do,” Ohtani said after hitting his 46th home run against the Cleveland Guardians.

Many projections have Shohei Ohtani finishing the season with 51 home runs and 51 stolen bases. Three weeks of baseball still remain, and the fans want nothing less than to see Ohtani get to the 50-50 club.

Apart from the historical record, Ohtani is in a tight race with the New York Mets' Francisco Lindor for the National League MVP award. While Lindor doesn't match Ohtani in terms of hitting numbers solely, the fact that Ohtani serves as a designated hitter while Lindor plays shortstop every game could sway voters Mets' shortstop's way.

However, there's no denying that if Ohtani reaches the elusive 50-50 club, he would be a runaway for the award.