The Dodgers Competition in the Shohei Ohtani Sweepstakes Just Got Stiffer
The one thing that is on every Dodgers fan's wishlist this offseason is none other than the signing of two-way phenom superstar Shohei Ohtani.
For the first time in six years, Ohtani is finally back on the market after starting his career with the Los Angeles Angels.
Due to the Angels inability to make it to the postseason and Ohtani's desire to win, it is likely he will play elsewhere in 2024.
Unfortunately for Dodgers fans, the chance to see Ohtani in Dodger blue could possibly never happen as an NL Central team is prepared to offer Ohtani a very lucrative deal.
ESPN reporter Jesse Rogers recently released a story that the Cubs are looking for their second opportunity to sign Ohtani after missing out on the sweepstakes in the 2017-18 offseason.
It was also reported by Rogers that the Cubs would prefer to sign Ohtani over former 2019 NL MVP Cody Bellinger, who had a resurgence year this season with Chicago earning himself the 2023 NL Comeback Player of the Year award.
Before making the decision to sign with the Angels that year, the Cubs were one of seven teams that were finalists for Ohtani.
Like the Cubs, the Dodgers are one of many teams looking for a second opportunity to sign the 2021 and 2023 AL MVP.
While it's well thought around the industry that Ohtani prefers to stay on the West Coast, recent speculation has suggested that he would be willing to leave to play in the Midwest or East Coast. That has grown over the past week as the Atlanta Braves were rumored to be a landing spot for the two-way player.
However, there has not really been any indication of where he will end up signing as rumors have continued to spiral since the offseason began.
