Shohei Ohtani’s 300th MLB Home Run Stuns Fans: “Just Build the Statue Already”
Shohei Ohtani became the 5th fastest player to hit 300 home runs following his solo shot against the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday.
Shohei Ohtani (Image via Imago)
Shohei Ohtani keeps on setting new records. On Tuesday, the Los Angeles Dodgers star once again stunned the fans after his historic 300th home run in MLB.
The Japanese international has been one of the hottest hitters in recent years. In his debut season with the Dodgers in 2024, he crossed the 50 home run mark for the first time in a season.
That year, he smashed 54 home runs and ended up creating the 50-50 club by becoming the first player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases. This was the season where he reached the 200 home run mark.
Last season, he did one better in home runs and set a career-high in this category. His 55 homers were only bettered by Kyle Schwarber (56) and Cal Raleigh (60).
Compared to the last 2 seasons, he has slugged at a slow rate this season. A huge reason for this is due to the fact that he is also working as a pitcher. After not pitching in 2024, he returned to his 2-way status in June 2025.
On Tuesday, he once again led off the inning with a home run. A sinker from Colorado Rockies’ Michael Lorenzen was smashed in the left center field, which gave the Dodgers an early lead.
SHOHEI OHTANI'S 300th MLB HOME RUN! pic.twitter.com/GbNlyPbM07
— MLB (@MLB) July 8, 2026
As per reports from MLB.com, he is the 5th fastest player to hit 300 home runs in MLB. It took him 1,101 games (with at least 1 plate appearance) to reach this mark. Only Aaron Judge (953), Ralph Kiner (1,086), Ryan Howard (1,091), and Juan Gonzalez (1,093).
Shohei Ohtani reached 300 home runs in his 1,101st career game with at least 1 plate appearance
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) July 8, 2026
That’s the 5th-fewest games in MLB history with at least 1 PA to reach 300 HR, behind:
Aaron Judge: 953
Ralph Kiner: 1,086
Ryan Howard: 1,091
Juan Gonzalez: 1,093
h/t @EliasSports https://t.co/14o6fctxYh
He is also the first Japanese star to reach this milestone. Apart from that, he is the third active Dodgers star to reach this mark after Mookie Betts (reached this club 2 weeks ago) and Freddie Freeman in 2023.
Shohei Ohtani is the FIRST Japanese-born player to hit 300 MLB home runs! 🇯🇵 https://t.co/br5uL8wgiE pic.twitter.com/7TcoE0HWDh
— MLB (@MLB) July 8, 2026
This home run was his 20th of the season. This marked his 6th consecutive season where he has smashed at least 20 homers.
Social media reacts as Shohei Ohtani reaches 300-home run mark
Shohei Ohtani joined another exclusive club in MLB following his 300th home run. As the player set another record, fans on social media went into a frenzy.

Many users on X lauded the 2-way star. One user wrote, “Just build the statue already,” while some Dodgers fans declared him the G.O.A.T (Greatest of All Time) after his historic blast. Check out some of those reactions below:
Just build the statue already 😭 pic.twitter.com/IReoSDSLFi
— Sleeper Picks (@SleeperPicksHQ) July 8, 2026
He’s so special 🥹 pic.twitter.com/LD8fKBq49S
— annoying ohtani fan 🇲🇽🇺🇸 (@owndodgerhaters) July 8, 2026
— Kai Mish ᓚᘏᗢ 🍉 (@KaiMishx) July 8, 2026
HE IS INEVITABLE
— Blake Snell Enjoyer (@SnellEnjoyer) July 8, 2026
THE GREATEST 🐐 pic.twitter.com/R2qLw7DT1R
— G (@dodgers_f) July 8, 2026
The best player in the world. Is there any question?https://t.co/i7daCGauXs
— Angeleno Dodgers (@AngelenoDodgers) July 8, 2026
GOAT.
— DodgersMuse (@LADodgersMuse) July 8, 2026
Greatest player of all time and it’s not close
— Leatherhead (@Baxter2242) July 8, 2026
THATS MY SOON TO BE 5x MVP
— Bookie Metts (@Bookie_Metts05) July 8, 2026
1st-ballot hall of famer.
— Bobby (@Swervesshouse) July 8, 2026
Ohtani eventually went 1-for-4 in this game with 1 walk. The Dodgers ended up losing 4-3 as the Rockies put up 3 runs in the 8th inning and stunned the reigning World Series champions.
Dave Roberts believes Shohei Ohtani can reach 500 home runs in his career
After Shohei Ohtani hit his 299th home run on Monday, Dave Roberts expressed that he can reach 500 home runs. On Tuesday, the Dodgers manager doubled down on his comment and lauded the 4-time MLB MVP.

At the post-game press conference, the 54-year-old was once again asked whether Ohtani could reach the 500-home-run mark if he continues to slug at this rate. Roberts has full confidence in the 32-year-old to join this club in the future.
I think so. Yeah. I mean, he just had a birthday yesterday. Still young, still strong. So I definitely think 500 is in his future.
Dave Roberts said regarding Shohei Ohtani
As of now, there are 28 members in the 500-home-run club. The last player to reach this was Miguel Cabrera in 2023. Since his retirement, no active player is on this list.
Giancarlo Stanton of the New York Yankees is the home run leader among active players at 456. So Ohtani still has a long way to go in his already incredible career to cross the 500 home run mark.
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