“I would like to break that record,” LA Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani sets sights on SHATTERING Aaron Judge’ AL home-run record
Shohei Ohtani is having another stellar year. Last year he finished second in the AL MVP race behind Aaron Judge. This season, the Japanese superstar is hoping to break the home-run record set by his rival in 2022.
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Aaron Judge along with Shohei Ohtani at the 2022 ASG (Pic Credit: Call to the Pen)
Records are made to be broken. In the vast world of sports, numerous records and accolades have been set by great individuals which seem tough to break. Baseball has also seen its fair share of such feats. One of them was etched last season as Aaron Judge smashed 62 home runs in a single season. This was the most by any American League player in MLB history. Shohei Ohtani now wants to go after that record.
Ohtani and Judge went neck-to-neck against each other last season. The Yankees slugger would edge out his Japanese counterpart for the crown of the American League MVP. As Judge continues to be sidelined through injury, Ohtani has emerged as a clear favorite to sweep that honor this year. The two-way superstar is now eyeing Judge’ historic AL record as he gears up for the second half of the season.
Before the All-Star break, Ohtani slammed his 32nd home run of the season against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Though his team lost the game, the rising star made his intentions clear. Recently analyst Colin Cowherd labeled him as the greatest baseball player ever. While the talks regarding his future team continue, Ohtani is right now only looking for a good second half with his team and being healthy.
Speaking through an interpreter at the MLB Network before the All-Star Game, Ohtani said “Of course I would like to break the [American league] record“, he said. A stat compared to Judge’s historic record has made things interesting. The current New York captain had already hit 33 home runs before the ASG break last season. Ohtani right now has 32. If there is someone who can break this record then it is definitely him.
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What is Shohei Ohtani’ opinion regarding his future?
One particular thing that has been on the tongue and minds of baseball fans this season, is the future of Shohei Ohtani. The two-way star from Japan will enter free agency after his current deal run out. Though he is the highest-earning player this year, his next contract is likely going to be biggest ever handed out. Various reports on how teams will snatch him before trade deadline day are emerging. Ohtani though is not thinking a bit about it.
According to USA Today, Ohtani says he is not trying to think about free agency. “It’s something I have no control over. I try not to think about it. I just try to focus on this season and not think about all of trade stuff,” Ohtani said. He emphasized how he is looking ahead for the rest of the season and trying to help the team pick up victories in the process.
Where will he eventually end up next season? Only time will tell that. The likes of the Dodgers, Padres, Yankees, and Mets have all been linked with his signature for a while. He can surprise everyone and re-sign with the Angels, provided they can afford him next season.
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Vinay Dave
(1795 Articles Published)