2 Dodgers Competitors Seem to Be Out of Shohei Ohtani Sweepstakes

As the offseason fully gets going, the Shohei Ohtani watch has intensified. Ohtani is the biggest free agent, possibly in the history of the sport, and teams are all vying for his services.

The Dodgers remain the frontrunners to land him, but there are plenty of other teams that are trying hard to land him. Teams such as the Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers, Seattle Mariners and the two New York teams have all been linked to Ohtani this offseason.

But now it seems that two big competitors are out of the Ohtani sweepstakes. Both the Mariners and New York Yankees are unlikely to sign the two-way superstar now.

The Yankees were always seen as a longshot to sign Ohtani, given their location. He reportedly prefers the West Coast, although winning is his biggest priority this offseason.

MLB insider Jon Heyman of The New York Post provided the update on the Yankees chances to get Ohtani.

"But in that case, the Yankees aren’t as optimistic Ohtani will seriously consider New York based on a comment he’s said to have made to them six years ago while on his tour of teams suggesting he didn’t see himself in such a big city as New York."

Per Jon Heyman of The New York Post

Ohtani didn't want to join the Yankees years ago, and it seems that he may have the same mindset. New York will likely look at different routes to get them back into playoff contention.

The more surprising news came from the Mariners, who have been heavily linked to Ohtani.

"Industry sources told MLB.com this week that landing Ohtani doesn’t appear to be within the Mariners’ realistic agenda this offseason."

Per Daniel Kramer of MLB.com

Seattle was seen as one of the more likely spots for Ohtani if he didn't end up in Los Angeles, but they seem to be going in a different direction. Ohtani has reportedly been a big fan of the city of Seattle, and his childhood idol Ichiro Suzuki played for the franchise.

The Mariners are a good, young team on the rise, and Ohtani could have helped get them over the top. Seattle had an up close and personal look at Ohtani with him being in the division all these years, but still have decided to go in a different direction.

Of course, free agency remains fluid, and things could change in an instant, but this news helps the Dodgers. As suitors begin to drop out, LA will be one of the last few left standing.