The true mark of a power hitter in MLB is driving 50 home runs in a single season.
It shows the hitters who are truly the most elite power bats in the entire league, with an uncanny ability to slug the baseball.
Though the league made an effort towards deadening the baseball in 2021, there are still a handful of hitters who are out to a fast start this year.
Here are the three most likely to reach the coveted 50-home run mark this year.
1. Aaron Judge
Aaron Judge starts off this list because of his past pedigree as a home run hitter.
During his rookie year in 2017, he led the league and set the then rookie record for home runs in a single season with 52.
Since then, his production has lagged behind as the 6-foot-7 slugger has battled various injuries.
However, in 2021, it seems that he is once again back to hitting homers at a rapid pace.
In 37 games, he is tied for the lead-league with 12 homers.
This sets him on pace to hit over 50, assuming that he is able to stay relatively healthy over the course of the season.
Judge also has the potential to speed that pace up, as he did this past weekend against the Baltimore Orioles.
AARON JUDGE JUST HIT HIS FOURTH HOMER OF THE SERIES pic.twitter.com/2Ep5FNZbEP
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) May 16, 2021
In their three-game series, he hit four balls out to shoot up the league’s leaderboards.
Because of all this, do not be surprised to see Judge flirting with 50 homers once again.
2. Shohei Ohtani
Shohei Ohtani has captivated audiences across the league this season due to his talent as a two-way player.
While he is 1-0 with a 2.10 ERA on the mound, Ohtani also shares the league-lead in home runs with 12.
At just 26 years old, he is finally having his first true breakout season in the MLB since joining the Angels from Japan.
With his size, Ohtani has shown the ability to flick home runs out at a high rate.
Down to their last out, Shohei Ohtani comes through in the clutch for the @Angels. pic.twitter.com/kwsZj1Xim4
— MLB (@MLB) May 16, 2021
Because of this raw power, he easily has the potential to continue the home run production at the plate.
However, he will have to continue balancing hitting and pitching, while also staying healthy.
If he can achieve that, there is little telling how many home runs Ohtani can post.
3. Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
If there is one thing Vladimir Guerrero Jr. took from his father, it is the ability to hit a baseball.
After the former super prospect struggled in hist first two MLB seasons, it seems that Guerrero Jr. has taken the next step this year.
In 39 games, he has slugged 11 home runs and posted a .319 batting average.
Vlad Guerrero Jr. homers in 3 straight games for the first time in his career. pic.twitter.com/4z7119s9uA
— MLB Stats (@MLBStats) May 16, 2021
He has been more selective this year, adding on to a slimmed frame that has helped him improve at the plate.
This is a recipe for success, especially for someone like Guerrero Jr. that possesses as much power as any other player in MLB.
Now, he is playing at an MVP level that seems to be sustainable throughout the entire season.
His frame is built to withstand the 162-game season, while he will avoid too much wear-and-tear by bouncing between first base and DH.
Because of this, Guerrero Jr. could certainly continue hitting homers at this pace and break the 50 mark this year.
NEXT: Are the Royals Contenders or Pretenders In 2021?
