Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES, CA — We watched in awe this year as Shohei Ohtani kept putting up amazing numbers throughout the summer. And now that the regular season is finally over, it’s time to do some assessing. Where exactly does Shohei’s season stand in Dodgers history? Is it the best season by a Dodger ever?
Well, if you go strictly by offense, then yes it is. According to Baseball Reference, Ohtani’s Offensive WAR (Wins Above Replacement) of 9.2 stands atop the leaderboard for this venerable franchise, beating out the previous leader, Mike Piazza‘s 9.0 in 1997. Rounding out the top five are Matt Kemp‘s great year in 2011 (8.7) and two seasons by Hall of Famer Duke Snider back in Brooklyn– 1953 (8.6) and 1954 (8.4). However, to be fair, there is more to baseball than just hitting a ball with a stick. There is defense, too, and we don’t want to give short shrift to the great players who may not have had the offensive numbers that Ohtani had, but whose glovework shot them up the leaderboard in overall WAR. So, without further ado, here are the top five seasons based in overall WAR of the Dodgers’ long and storied franchise (and yes, Ohtani makes this list, too):
5. Duke Snider, 1953 (9.1 WAR)
In 1953, Duke Snider had one of the best seasons of his career, playing a pivotal role for the Brooklyn Dodgers. He hit .336 with 42 home runs and 126 RBIs, leading the National League in both runs scored (132) and slugging percentage (.627). His offensive production helped propel the Dodgers to a 105-49 record and a National League pennant. Snider’s performance earned him a second-place finish in the MVP voting that year, underscoring his reputation as one of the league’s most feared hitters.
4. Shohei Ohtani, 2024 (9.2 WAR)
What can you say about Ohtani’s year that hasn’t already been said? It’s simply one of the best years that any Dodger living Dodger fan can remember. The 54 majestic home runs. The 59 stolen bases. The near miss on the Triple Crown. It’s simply stuff that none of us have seen before. Plus, we know that we are only seeing half of Ohtani. Once he starts pitching again, even if his offensive number dip slightly, he is sure to shoot up this list to be at the top of the leaderboard for single seasons. So, 2024, believe it or not, may end up being one of Ohtani’s “worst” seasons in terms of WAR when it’s all said and done. I personally can’t wait.
3. Jackie Robinson, 1949 (9.3 WAR)
After breaking into the big leagues at the age of 28 in 1947, Jackie Robinson was already in his prime. In 1949, he had a monster season, becoming the first African American player to win the National League MVP award. He led the league with a .342 batting average, posted 16 home runs, and drove in 124 RBIs. Known for his speed on the basepaths, Robinson also led the league with 37 stolen bases. His impressive performance that season helped the Dodgers win the National League pennant, and Robinson’s leadership and versatility on the field further solidified his role as one of baseball’s most influential and dynamic players.
2. Adrian Beltre, 2004 (9.6 WAR)
Sometimes, I think because Adrian Beltre spent a lot of his career playing for other teams, we forget what a truly awesome player he was in Dodger Blue. His 2004 season was a career-defining year for the future Hall of Famer. Beltré hit 48 home runs, leading the National League, and posted a .334 batting average. He also tallied 121 RBIs, earning him a second-place finish in MVP voting behind He Who Shall Not Be Named of the Giants. His defensive skills remained top-tier as he provided strong play at third base. This breakout season cemented his status as one of the game’s elite players, setting the stage for his eventual Hall of Fame-worthy career.
1. Jackie Robinson, 1951 (9.7 WAR)
In 1951, Jackie Robinson had another standout season with the Brooklyn Dodgers, and by the measure of WAR, even better than his 1949 campaign. He posted a .335 batting average, the second-best in the National League, and had 106 RBIs along with 19 home runs. Robinson also stole 25 bases and led the league in on-base percentage at .429. And though those are good marks, it was his great defense that shot him to the top of this list. His Offensive WAR that year was 8.1, actually a tick lower than it was in his MVP year of 1949. But in, 1951, he was nearly flawless in the field. In that year, Robinson tied the record for the most double plays by a second baseman with 137. His all-around excellence contributed to the Dodgers winning the National League pennant, although they ultimately fell to the New York Giants in the famous playoff series that included Bobby Thomson’s “Shot Heard ‘Round the World.” Robinson continued to prove his value as a versatile and dominant player. And, as it turns out, it was the best year in terms of WAR in Dodgers history.
Near misses
There are some great seasons by some of our modern Dodgers that just missed inclusion on this list. Mike Piazza’s 8.7 in ’97 was good for 7th place on this list. Cody Bellinger‘s MVP campaign in 2019 was good for 8.6 in WAR and 8th place. And Mookie Betts‘ fantastic season in 2023 finished just out of the top ten, finishing in 11th place all-time with a WAR of 8.3.
Conclusion
So there you have it. You were right. In 2024, you were witnessing simply one of the best seasons that any Dodger has ever had in the team’s nearly 150-year history. Shohei Ohtani’s year was magical, for all the right reasons, made even more special when you think that it was nearly hijacked by a gambling scandal in the season’s first week.
So what can be concluded? I think it’s obvious. The other names on this list are all in the Hall of Fame. Can there be any doubt that Shohei is headed for Cooperstown as well?
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