Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Heinz Ketchup looking to capitalize on Shohei Ohtani's incredible season

By David Hill | Last updated 9/27/24

Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani has captivated the baseball community and sports fans around the globe with his remarkable 2024 campaign. This extraordinary display could lead to a unique marketing opportunity.

Heinz Ketchup is watching Ohtani to see if he can produce a 57-home run/57-steal season. If so, Heinz is planning to commemorate the season with 57 limited-edition bottles and free ketchup for life.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Heinz (@heinz)

Ohtani has made history with his otherworldly performance this season. He became the sixth player to join the 40/40 club and the fastest player to do so, belting a walk-off grand slam for his 40th home run. Ohtani was not content with a 40/40 season — he became the first player in MLB history to hit 50 homers and steal 50 bases in the same year.

Ohtani will need another surge if he is to record a 57/57 season. He has produced a .305/.387/.643 batting line in his 716 plate appearances entering Friday, hitting 53 homers while stealing 56 bases. The runaway favorite for the NL MVP, Ohtani's season is all the more impressive considering he is rehabbing from elbow surgery.

Such a surge is possible. The Dodgers finish the season with a three-game set in Colorado, setting the stage for Ohtani to achieve those numbers. He has gotten hot down the stretch, posting a .564/.605/1.154 batting line in 43 plate appearances over his last nine games while hitting six homers and stealing eight bases. Ohtani may not be done setting the bar at an impressively high level.

A strong showing in Colorado could lead to a brilliant marketing plan. If Ohtani can create the 57/57 club, Heinz Ketchup is ready to capitalize.

More must-reads: