Graphic Shows List Of MLB Stars Chasing A Special Feat

In MLB, hitting 40 home runs in a season is extremely hard.

Just a handful of players do it every year, and it requires a blend of power, contact, consistency, and good health.

It’s even harder to steal 40 bases these days.

The play is just not as popular at this point, and even though there are still a few burners determined to swipe some bases, just a couple reach 40.

Now, imagine how hard it is to achieve both numbers.

People strong enough to hit 40 homers are usually not speedy; and players fast enough to challenge for the 40-steals mark often don’t have the strength to knock 40 bombs.

It’s as simple as that.

Yet, throughout history, four players have hit the 40-40 benchmark in MLB.

Barry Bonds (1996), Alex Rodriguez (1998), Jose Canseco (1988), and Alfonso Soriano (2006) are the only four to hold this title.

Lots of players have come close, though.

The most recent example of it was 2019 Ronald Acuna Jr., who had 41 round-trippers and 37 thefts.

MLB stats expert Sarah Langs put together a list with five names with the highest odds to pull off this feat.

Players with the most potential for a 40/40 season, according to @SlangsOnSports ⬇️

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— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 31, 2023

Jazz Chisholm, Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr., Acuna, and Michael Harris II are on the exclusive shortlist of candidates.

If he had a full slate of games and a 100% healthy shoulder, Fernando Tatis Jr. would be MLB’s best candidate, but he returns in late April/early May.

Kyle Tucker and Cedric Mullins could also do it, as could Oneil Cruz if he puts his mind and body for it.

However, given the current trends, it isn’t particularly likely that someone reaches the magic numbers.