Giancarlo Stanton is still behind Roger Maris, but the gap is narrowing

Giancarlo Stanton is not going to break the Major League record of 73 home runs in a single season, set by Barry Bonds, but thanks to a recent hot streak, the Marlins slugger does have a shot at a more iconic home run number — 61.

Stanton hit another home run on Sunday, his 45th of the season, and his 24th in his last 39 games.

While Roger Maris’ 61 home runs in 1961 is no longer the official MLB record, it is still held in high regard by many as the top home-run season outside of the steroid era. Through 122 games in that season, Maris had 49 home runs. Stanton is still four home runs behind that pace, but considering how hot he has been, that gap is closing quickly.

Giancarlo Stanton’s home run pace compared to Roger Maris.Mike Nudelman/Business Insider