Dodgers Rumors: Is Shohei Ohtani the ‘Biggest Priority’ for LA This Offseason?
For the Dodgers, we’ve entered the offseason of Shohei Ohtani. The soon-to-be two-time AL MVP will enter free agency and for the better part of the last 18 months, most rumors have linked the superstar to the Los Angeles ballclub this winter.
At this point, everyone has their own thoughts on Ohtani and the Dodgers potentially matching up on a mega contract over the offseason. About 12 months ago it started becoming apparent that the LA front office was setting itself up for a legitimate run at the two-way wunderkind. Since then, Shohei unfortunately suffered an injury that will keep him off the mound for the 2024 season, but it won’t keep his elite bat out of the lineup.
Before I share my thoughts, over at ESPN.com, MLB insider Alden Gonzalez addressed the Dodgers’ outlook for the 2023-2024 offseason and didn’t rock the boat when it came to writing about what he feels is LA’s biggest priority over the next few months…
Yes, it’s Shohei.
Biggest offseason priority: You could have probably guessed this answer — it’s Shohei Ohtani. The Dodgers are expected to be among the most aggressive suitors, if not the most aggressive suitor, for the generational two-way player. But there’s an important caveat here: Ohtani won’t pitch in 2024. And because he will be coming off his second Tommy John surgery — or some version of it, given the vague nature of the initial description — there are legitimate concerns about how long he’ll continue to hold up as a two-way player. The Dodgers, as we’ve seen in these playoffs, desperately need starting pitching. In other words, Ohtani won’t be enough.
Via ESPN.com
Ohtani is absolutely a nice to have but it’s hard to say he’s a need to have for this team. Like Alden said, the biggest need for the Dodgers is starting pitching and Shohei is a hitter only in 2024. The club had an elite designated hitter in J.D. Martinez this past season and paid just $10 million for his services. Ohtani is going to add about $30 million to that figure, which takes away from precious payroll that could be used on guys like — let’s spitball here — Blake Snell and Matt Chapman.
Related: Are the Dodgers Willing to Go Big to Sign Shohei Ohtani? It’s Complicated
That said, the offense is what failed the Dodgers this postseason. And Ohtani is arguably the best hitter in the game.
Signing Shohei Ohtani would be one hell of an apology to the fan base after getting swept by the Diamondbacks in the NLDS but along with him, the front office would need to be ready to shell out even more money on a starting pitcher or two and maybe one more bat.
I discussed Ohtani with Scott Braun and former big leaguer Erik Kratz on Foul Territory Live this week where I shared a similar sentiment to what I’m saying here.
To sum up my thinking in a hot take, I leave with this.
Shohei is the man and the Dodgers have been setting themselves up for a serious run at him, but he may not be enough to be the savior everyone thinks this team needs… that said, if you can get arguably the best player in baseball history for just money and a compensatory draft pick, you get him and figure out the rest from there.
Photo Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports
1. Blake Snell. If Kershaw retires (which I hope he does not) the Dodgers will need a LHP as the two we had will be gone. Weaken a divisional rival and solidify the rotation with Buehler, Miller, Pepiot, Sheehan, and hopefully Kershaw. Stone is another mid-late season option, and we will see May and Gonsolin at some point.
2. Ohtani. Or, just keep Martinez. It’s one or the other as Martinez is strictly a DH at this point. If they sign Ohtani, it has to be a structured deal that pays him as a DH only in 2024, then add his starting pitcher role, based on innings pitched, ERA, K/BB ratios, etc.
I agree,only a structured contract will work for him. And yes,they need pitching, a rh bat, a solid glove at 3rd and more pitching.
The biggest priority for the Dodgers this offseason is to find a new manager! Do you think it’s a good idea to add another THREE TOMMY JOHN pitcher to the roster?
TWO TOMMIES
Everyone seems to want Ohtani other than me. First of all, we know the cost will be astronomical (not that the team doesn’t have the deep pockets necessary), Second, how can we be assured he can still pitch effectively and without further physical issues after the injury? So, essentially, we are paying for a DH and nothing else at this point. We can get, and NEED, an established, injury-free, and sound starting pitcher (Snell?) or perhaps even two (Eovaldi, Burnes?), for what Ohtani would cost. Let him go elsewhere and don’t worry if that is what plays out.