Shohei Ohtani Rumors: MLB Insider Says Dodgers Competing With One Team for Superstar
The playoffs are right around the corner and the Los Angeles Dodgers are sure to at least be contenders for a World Series title.
But looking ahead of that for a bit, LA should also be contenders for Shohei Ohtani this offseason.
The Angels superstar is set to hit the free agent market this winter, and he’ll be the focus of one of the most intriguing bidding wars in MLB history.
Ohtani was up to his usual herculean feats in Anaheim this season and he’s a near certainty to grab his second AL Most Valuable Player Award.
But the two-way phenom tore his UCL earlier this season, putting his pitching exploits for 2024 on ice — he won’t pitch again until at least 2025 — and making his free agent future uncertain.
But the Dodgers will be players for Ohtani nonetheless, and they may not have to beat out many competitors to earn his coveted signature, MLB insider Ken Rosenthal said on the Foul Territory Show.
“We don’t know the surgery he had because his agent won’t reveal it. This is a big secret, whatever. Where do we think Ohtani will go? The Dodgers have been the favorite for a long time, or at least a team we thought would definitely be in the mix. I do not rule out the Mets. I cannot see Steve Cohen simply passing on Shohei Ohtani. And I would also include the Giants, the Rangers, yes the Rangers. And the Mariners as at least possibilities. I still think it comes down to LA vs. New York. Dodgers vs. the Mets. The Yankees? I don’t see them doing this.”
Ken Rosenthal via the Foul Territory Show
The value Ohtani can get in free agency is in question given his UCL tear, but there’s no denying the impact he can have at the plate.
He has an MLB-leading 1.066 OPS to go along with 44 home runs and 95 RBI across just 135 games this season, and is one of the most feared hitters in the sport regardless of his pitching exploits.
And, when healthy, he can be a frontline starter for any MLB team. Even though he won’t be on the mound again until 2025, the potential of him being able to return to that caliber is certainly an intriguing aspect when it comes to him.
Ultimately, every team should at least be considering an offer for a talent like Ohtani, even if they can’t measure up to the competition.
The Dodgers can and should be one of those true contenders for Ohtani, and the odds of him landing in Dodger blue for the foreseeable future look to be significant, especially if the only true competitor in a bidding war turns out to be a New York Mets team that’s languishing in mediocrity.
Photo Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
I wouldn’t sign Ohtani unless he would take a 5-6 year deal. He turns 30 next year and can’t pitch again until at best 2025. Dodgers biggest needs in 2024 are going to be starting pitching and a 3B. Muncy is a liability at 3rd. We could probably get Snell and Chapman for what Ohtani will cost per year. And on shorter length contracts.
Agreed. Can he play any defensive position? And 1B is not an option. With his pitching future in doubt, it would be a lot to pay for a DH. Resign JD for a year or two for that spot. Pay for starting pitching.
Showalter won’t return to Mets and Mets are now going on a rebuild.
Seattle misses the playoffs in 2023.
San Francisco needs offense, and pitching. They’re just 6 or 7 players short of a championship team (yes, written sarcastically)
San Diego has shown that they are the NL equivalent of the Angels: star talent but can’t make the playoffs.
Unless Ohtani has been lying to everybody and will sign with the team who “shows him the money,” I can’t see how any other team besides the Dodgers would fit what he wants to do.
‘Ohio Dodger” hit the old proverbial “nail on the head” about Muncy being a liability at 3B. I can see, in a couple years, Will Smith at third and Dalton Rushing catching. In the meantime, Diego Cartaya would be a great trade piece for a third baseman. Just fantasizing.
We can use shohei right now in the playoffs!!
Y’all forgetting about Vargas at 3rd. He’ll do good he’ll do good. He’s just going to have to learn to take that hot shot down the third Base line.
The Dodgers would be better off without Ohtani. They need starting pitching now not 2025. Next year’s rotation right now is Buehler, Miller and Pepiot. Snell is a better choice. In 2025 May and Gonsolin return and Grove and Sheehan will be ready then if not sooner. Ohtani can’t play any other position
other than DH and he is too expensive for that.