MLB Insider Says The Dodgers Offer a Distinct Advantage Over Competition In Shohei Ohtani Sweepstakes

The Dodgers pursuit of two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani has been the talk around the team this entire offseason, and they are waiting like everyone else for his decision. They are still seen as the favorites to land him this offseason, despite recent buzz from other teams around the league. 

MLB insider Jon Morosi appeared on MLB Network and broke down why the Dodgers have an advantage over other teams in regard to the Ohtani sweepstakes.

“With Ohtani and the Dodgers, the reason why it’s so logical has very little, I believe, to do with the geography of how close he has been living to where the Dodgers play and everything to do with how consistently they win and Shohei wants to get back to being the dominant two-way player that he’s been with the Angels. And the person that can help him do that is Dodgers team physician Dr. Neal ElAttrache, he performed the surgery on his elbow. He’s part of the medical team there with the Dodgers, that Harold is a massive advantage.”

Per Jon Morosi via MLB Network

Ohtani won’t be pitching in 2024 due to his torn UCL, so he will be rehabbing to get back to the mound in 2025. LA can offer him the chance to work directly with the man who performed his surgery, and the Dodgers have been experienced in helping pitchers recover from different kinds of injuries.

Right-hander Walker Buehler is coming off Tommy John surgery, and the Dodgers almost had him ready to return at the end of last season. They could work with Ohtani to help him get back to being the historic player that the baseball world has come to love.

While he recovers and is just a hitter next season, he also wouldn’t have to bear the brunt of the load for LA. They have other star players on the roster who could pick up the slack, and it wouldn’t all fall on Ohtani like it did with the Angels. 

The Dodgers can offer him everything he wants, and in return, they get one of the biggest athletes in the history of sports on their roster. It’s a win-win for each side, and hopefully, when the dust settles, Ohtani will be a member of the Dodgers for the foreseeable future. 

Photo Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

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