Shohei Ohtani is having a miraculous season with the Los Angeles Angels. He has been particularly in form over the last few weeks, after getting over a hitting slump. Furthermore, he has firmly established himself as an AL MVP favorite since Aaron Judge got injured. Most recently, a statistic even pointed to Ohtani possibly equalling a massive record that the New York Yankees’ captain set.
This comes as the two-way phenom is playing some of his best career baseball ahead of a massive free agency. Notably, with Ohtani playing his best baseball and Mike Trout also playing well, the Angels are in a position to make the playoffs. But possibly matching Judge’s record is also massive.
Shohei Ohtani is on pace to match Aaron Judge’s home run record!
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Last year, Aaron Judge broke the American League single-season home run record by hitting 62 bombs. As a result, he won the 2022 AL MVP Award. But in the latest update by Talkin’ Baseball, a statistic points toward Shohei Ohtani possibly matching this record.
After playing 84 games, Shohei Ohtani has achieved 30 home runs, equivalent to the number Aaron Judge hit after 84 games in the previous year. All signs seem to converge, hinting at the thrilling possibility of Ohtani matching Judge’s monumental feat of 62 home runs this season.
Shohei Ohtani has 30 home runs in 84 Angels games this season. Aaron Judge had 30 home runs through 84 Yankees games last season pic.twitter.com/5Dyogh20Zb
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) July 1, 2023
If the Angels’ two-way star indeed matches the record, it would further heat up comparisons between him and Judge.
Will Ohtani match Judge’s home run record?
In addition to possibly matching or breaking Aaron Judge’s home run record, it is a historic year for Shohei Ohtani. The fans’ comments resonate with their distinct preferences for either player. Some have gone as far as challenging Ohtani’s capability to match the record, boldly presenting their own predictions for his home run count.
Ohtani breaking Judges record while being a elite pitcher would be absolutely hilarious and the greatest individual season of all time
— ZDS (@IWZ__22) July 1, 2023
Better than Judge and it’s not even close.
— Sean O’Reilly (@rizzyy_) July 1, 2023
Other fans said that it will be difficult to break the record.
I personally don’t think he’ll do it. He’s just not as good of a hitter. Judge led the league in nearly all offensive stats last year too. Ohtani will probably have a cool down but still a great season. He’ll be in the 50’s
— Jacob P.M.🌔 (@JacobBSpeaks) July 1, 2023
Aaron Judge also had one of the best second halves in MLB history.
— A.B. (@ABSports99) July 1, 2023
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Could Shohei hit 60? My prediction is 52 https://t.co/9iLEemJy90
— Aidan Smith (@amsmithseattle) July 1, 2023
This comes when the hype surrounding Ohtani is at an all-time high. His play has been so great that he once again dominated the All-Star game selection. Furthermore, they have not been empty numbers as the Angels are firmly in the playoff picture. Ohtani has the chance to break some extensive records this year.
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Shohei Ohtani would have to keep up his hitting form and his current pace to match Aaron Judge’s 62 homers. Only time will tell if the Japanese superstar manages to do it. Do you think he will?