Are the Dodgers Still Chasing Shohei Ohtani, or Is Another Japanese Free Agent on Their Radar?

From April to September the Dodger Stadium is one of the most happening places in the country. The sound of a bustling crowd enjoying their team’s victory is like music to ears. Yet, come October that place turns into a library. This has been the weird tale of the Los Angeles Dodgers for the past two years. They have won 100+ games for consecutive years only to get eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. Now this offseason the Blue Crew is looking to change their story with a marquee signing. But there’s one tiny problem… The options are too many!

The entire league is targeting two fabulous stars from the land of the Rising Sun – Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The two-way phenom is holding out for the biggest contract in baseball history while Yamamoto is coming off of a string of great performances. The Dodgers were once the frontrunners for Ohtani but could Yamamoto’s entry change the focus of the Los Angeles-based franchise?

Los Angeles Dodgers are woefully short of pitchers

When the Blue Crew started 2023, they had an acceptable bullpen yet the constant injuries shook their depth. They depended on raw players and rookies during the latter half of the season. This culminated with the Dodgers getting eliminated in the NLDS by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Now, long-time ace Clayton Kershaw has turned free agent and has undergone shoulder surgery that makes his future doubtful. 

So naturally, the Men in Blue are looking to fill the gaps in their bullpen. Shohei Ohtani – the two-way phenom was originally their top target because of his dual roles. His fantastic pitching would have solved most of the Dodgers’ problem but the situation may have changed due to his injury.

Ohtani recently underwent Tommy John surgery. It was his second in 5 years. Due to this, he most certainly won’t be able to pitch in 2024. Though Ohtani and his agent both have conveyed their reassurances that “Sho” will definitely pitch in 2025, experts are not too sure about that. Even if he pitches again, will he be able to make 80-90 pitches in a game like before?

While Ohtani has once returned after a Tommy John not just the same but even better than before, the second time might be tough. Still, the Los Angeles Dodgers would have signed him if there wasn’t another super-talented Japanese pitcher waiting in the wings.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto has taken the world by storm. With an ERA of 1.21 in 2023, he’s just what the Dodgers need in order to take their bullpen to the next level. The present reports indicate that the Dodgers may have cooled off a little on Ohtani due to Yamamoto being the more suitable player for them. Still, it won’t be easy to get the Ace because he’s entering as a hot commodity. The entire MLB is riding his hype train, so the Blue Crew will have to take part in a bidding war to get his attention. 

So with the Dodgers backing off a little, what will happen with Shohei Ohtani?

Rangers take the lead in the race for Shohei Ohtani

Shohei Ohtani had famously shunned the Texas Rangers for Los Angeles Angels in 2017. The Lone Stars were the ones with the highest offer but Ohtani chose the Angels. But the situation might be completely different this time around.

Read more – Yoshinobu Yamamoto Breaks Veteran Japanese Ace’s Record in Crucial Game as Free Agency Rumors Heat Up Amidst New York Interest

The Texas Rangers are on a high after winning the World Series and are very interested in getting Ohtani. “Sho”, at the same time, has made it clear that he wants to join a winning team, and what’s better than the champions? Ohtani till now has never played in the playoffs, a move to Texas might just be the ticket for him to October. 

Many experts are of the view that the Rangers have leaped ahead of others due to these reasons. Another big reason, however, is their payroll which is well within the tax limits. This means, unlike the Dodgers or Mets who’ve had to pay taxes in the last 3 years, the Rangers have generally saved themselves some money. So a $500 million contract could theoretically be easier to digest for them.

With other teams in the race, Ohtani would not feel much sting with the Dodgers’ exit. Whatever the case, the $500 million deal is still on for the Japanese superstar.

Watch the Story – MLB Free Agent Frenzy: Ohtani, Martinez, And More To Watch In  2023-2024 Offseason