Dodgers Rumors: Top East Coast Competitor for Shohei Ohtani Now Unlikely to Sign Him
The Dodgers have long been the favorites to land two-way superstar free agent Shohei Ohtani this winter, but it’s not without the lack of trying from other teams. It seems like every day there is a new rumor, or new team interested in aggressively going after Ohtani, making the Dodgers case more difficult.
Teams such as the Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers and both New York squads have been linked to him this winter. But at least one of the New York teams seems to be souring on the idea that he would actually join them.
MLB insider Jon Heyman of The New York Post is reporting that the Yankees are unlikely to sign him this offseason, despite their interest.
“But in that case, the Yankees aren’t as optimistic Ohtani will seriously consider New York based on a comment he’s said to have made to them six years ago while on his tour of teams suggesting he didn’t see himself in such a big city as New York.”
Per Jon Heyman of The New York Post
Now if it’s true that Ohtani doesn’t see himself in a big city, how could this impact his joining the Dodgers? Or would he make an exception since he already loves being in Southern California?
It certainly feels that way.
Ohtani has become very comfortable being in Southern California while spending the first part of his career with the Angels, and if he did join the Dodgers, he likely wouldn’t have to move. He could stay where he is currently, and just commute to the games each day. Or maybe he has grown more open to staying in a bigger city, and Los Angeles may be one he enjoys.
The Dodgers have all of the tools needed to sign Ohtani, but it remains to be seen if he will actually sign. Many believed that he was going to join them when he originally joined the big leagues, only for him to shock everyone and go to the Angels.
But Ohtani now understands that winning is a major part of his future goals, and the Dodgers can offer him a chance to win the World Series each season. They have the financial muscle to pay him heavily, and still afford to bring in quality talent around him as well.
Ohtani would thrive playing in Los Angeles, and the Dodgers would land the biggest star in the game today. It almost seems like a win-win, but until a contract is finalized, nothing is guaranteed.
Photo Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
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