Dodgers Rumors: Insider Says Shohei Ohtani Sweepstakes Down to 2 Teams, Including LA
It's long been expected that Shohei Ohtani will leave the Angels in the offseason but questions remain over which teams can afford his services throughout the league.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic believes it'll be a two-horse race between the Dodgers and the Mets over who will eventually win the sweepstakes for the mercurial superstar.
"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."
Los Angeles has long been the rumored destination for possibly the greatest player to ever grace the sport through their consistent winning culture and desirable geography.
New York is attractive in its own right due to owner Steve Cohen's deep pockets and willingness to spend big on the roster he wants to field.
Ohtani's choice will be the talk of the winter no matter what as his situation depends not just on who he'll play for next season but also if he'll stay with said team for the long-term.
The Japanese superstar will be sidelined from the pitching mound through 2024 and could sign a shorter-term deal strictly as a designated hitter while his arm heals.
Whether New York, LA or any other location, baseball's landscape is set to change with all eyes on Ohtani's next move.
