Shohei Ohtani recently joined the Los Angeles Dodgers dugout as their costliest—and probably the best—player. And now, it looks like he is on the path to being one of their best recruiters as well. According to recent reports, the Dodgers are actively pursuing Yoshinobu Yamamoto. And Ohtani has been instrumental to the team’s efforts to get the star ace to sign with them. However, Yamamoto is not the only one that Shotime went after on his team’s behalf.
Before their trade for Tyler Glasnow was finalized, Ohtani made a gesture that solidified the pitcher’s enthusiasm to play for the Boys in Blue. What did he do for both Yamamoto and Glasnow that’s making reporters humorously tag him as a perfect general manager for the team?
Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tyler Glasnow have one thing in common: Shohei Ohtani influence
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According to The Athletic, Shotime found himself a part of the Dodgers presentation that was held in their stadium for Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Star teammates Mookie Betts, a Yamamoto favorite, and Freddie Freeman also made an appearance. The team’s pitch for Yamamoto was short and precise, complimented with gestures like adding video displays around the stadium that showed Yoshi in a Dodgers jersey with his NPB jersey number 18. Ohtani’s presence made the event special, given his pre-existing history with the ace.
So Shohei Ohtani is not only the best player in baseball, but he's also proving to be the best recruiter.
If the Dodgers sign Yoshinobu Yamamoto, they may need to change Ohtani's title to pitcher, designated hitter and assistant general manager. https://t.co/gllV9zovNu
— Noah Camras (@noahcamras) December 15, 2023
Yoshinobu Yamamoto was teammates with Shotime during the World Baseball Classic championship held last spring. This is beneficial for the Dodgers, given The Athletic’s claim that Yamamoto has “an open mind about the possibility of playing alongside another Japanese player.”
Before going after Yamamoto, Ohtani reportedly tried to woo Glasnow by making him think of a prospective future. The two-way wonder sent Glasnow a video to win him over. What was so special about it?
Watch This Story: Rat Race Continues Among Three Giants With $300 Million To Bring Yoshinobu Yamamoto To Their Troop
The clip had a part where Ohtani said, “I want to hit some home runs for you.” And now, his wish has come true! And the Dodgers fanbase couldn’t have been happier about it.
Fans rejoice at Ohtani’s active efforts to influence prospects
Pitcher, hitter, humble as they come, what can’t Shohei Ohtani do? Added to his already impressive resume is the job of recruiter, and perhaps an assistant GM post.
One fan believes Shotime can be instrumental in drafting NPB players.
Ahaha, I agree. He is very influential especially to NPB players, that is sure👍
— kenkengota (@kenkengota) December 16, 2023
Another one asked the Yankees to take notes on Ohtani’s sportsmanship.
He was serious about being on the ‘Best Team’. A World Series Title winning team. If the Front Office did their part to recruit…he’d do his part to.
What is not to love about a player who gives his all for an organization like that.
Aaron Judge – take notes.
— Luka’s JZ (@Dodgerz4Ever) December 16, 2023
Another one seemed highly enthusiastic about the impending changes to the team.
We need him. Shit is about to go crazy
— Rik Sorkin (@RikSorkin001) December 15, 2023
Hinting at his world’s best baseball player status, this fan tagged him as the best human, too.
Greatest human in history. Shohei Ohtani.
— Ty (@_thillyy) December 15, 2023
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This admirer believes Shotime would make the perfect Dodgers’ GM.
Shohei for Dodgers GM
— shohei no hubby 🐰 (@kentomiyauraaa) December 16, 2023
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Only time will tell which one of their wishes comes true!
Read More: Two-Way Star Shohei Ohtani Reveals How He Focuses on Baseball Despite Overwhelming Fan Attention