Dodgers Rumors: Insider Reveals 3 of LA’s Biggest Competitors for Shohei Ohtani This Offseason
The winter of 2024 has been one to look forward to if you're a Dodger fan. Of course, no one expected an early postseason exit again, but here we are, and now the page has been turned to 2024 with eyes on an exciting winter.
It all starts this offseason, and the first thing on the to-do list is to sign Shohei Ohtani. That's the most important thing and the biggest thing the Dodgers need to do. Adding Shohei will be a massive boost to LA's title hopes next season, even if he is just batting; however, they aren't the only ones trying to add his talents.
Many other teams will be making the call to Shohei and his agent in what will be a busy winter for his team. He's the golden ticket, and all eyes will be on the international superstar in the coming months.
Although the Boys in Blue seem to be the leaders in the race, other teams will fight to convince Ohtani to join their team, and those teams may include some of LA's biggest competitors, according to MLB insider Mark Feinsand.
Even with a torn UCL that required a second elbow surgery, Ohtani is easily the top free agent on this year’s market. It remains to be seen if/when Ohtani will return to the mound, but his offensive profile alone -- which compares favorably to Aaron Judge, who signed for nine years and $360 million last year -- should land him a deal in that range, as he’s more than a year younger than Judge was when he reached free agency. Most expect him to pitch again no later than 2025, and it’s possible his deal goes far beyond Judge’s, though the guaranteed dollars are sure to take a hit from what they would have been without the injury.
Potential fits: Angels, Dodgers, Giants, Mets
Surprisingly, the Angels made Feinsand's list, as they remain with the eighth best odds to sign him according to theScore Bet.
As for the Giants and Mets, San Francisco is tied with the Yankees for the second-best odds at +500, and the Mets have the fourth-best odds at +700.
All eyes will be on Shohei and his decision that could last all offseason long. Buckle up, Dodger fans; it will be one heck of a ride.
