As Pitching Injury Impacts Upcoming $500 Million Free Agency, Will the Dodgers Sign Shohei Ohtani?

In a month, Shohei Ohtani will officially be on the market. The two-way sensation’s upcoming free agency has been one of the most talked-about topics in 2023. Who will land the biggest player the league has ever seen? Will it be a re-signing with the LA Angels despite their dismal record? Or will he land with their cross-town rivals, the Los Angeles Dodgers?

The Boys in Blue could be a good fit for the Japanese sensation, should he choose them. However, several reasons exist to not make the dream a reality. Does Ohtani want to stay in LA? Could his superpowers cut in half be one of the reasons the Dodgers might now want him?

Shohei Ohtani’s Injury

Shohei Ohtani is well and out for the season. In late August, the Angels announced that Ohtani was suffering another UCL tear, which meant no more pitching for the season. A few days ago, Shotime had a procedure done on his elbow that was successful. However, his doctor, Neal ElAttrache, stated that Ohtani would not be pitching in 2024.

Hitting could still be considered but the slugger would mostly serve as DH. A right oblique injury has already caused him to miss the last few weeks of September but there is hope for next year.

Will Shohei Ohtani Pitch Again?

A Tommy John surgery takes a long recovery time. When Ohtani first had the procedure in 2018, he didn’t pitch as a full-timer until 2021. Since then, he has been on a mission to win over every single baseball fan in the country. But the utter power his body exhibits had to catch up to the two-way player at some point in time. It has manifested in 2023 with injuries here and there.

READ MORE – Despite Countless Injury Setbacks, Shohei Ohtani Displayed an Iron Will to Achieve His Ultimate Goal in 2021

The second UCL tear was not good news because a double Tommy John is much harder to recover from. The slugger did not give details on what his recent surgery was. But since his doctor seems optimistic, it can possibly be concluded that Shohei Ohtani will pitch again…someday.

Is Ohtani Worth $500M to the Dodgers if His Pitching Does Not Hit Ace Level Again?

The next question that arises is – if Ohtani does regain his two-way powers, will they be at the same level they have been at? The specialty of watching the Japanese player, after all, is how he excels at both pitching and hitting. MLB analysts predicted his next contract to reach at least $500 million. The point is not that the Dodgers cannot afford it.

The question they’ll raise is whether Shotime can reach the ace level again whenever he next takes the mound. The LA team could certainly benefit from another powerful starter. But if it’s Shohei Ohtani at this juncture in time, will it be simply money wasted?

Dodgers Will Face Fierce Competition for Ohtani’s Signature

Many think that injuries will have but a minor effect on teams’ thinking process in acquiring Ohtani. He has recovered from severe injuries before, he can do it again. New York is a fan favorite as the next landing spot, be it the Mets or the Yankees. Steve Cohen has actively pursued Ohtani and he can definitely afford his numbers. The Bronx Bombers originally wanted him in 2017 but the Japanese ballplayer didn’t show any interest in the East Coast.

READ MORE – 3 MLB Teams Emerge as Prime Candidates For Shohei Ohtani as He Stands On the Cusp of the Biggest Contract in American History

Even if the Dodgers are the most likely landing place, Ohtani doesn’t have any shortage of suitors. Strong teams like the Braves or the Phillies could want him. Or the two-way player could go to 2023’s underdogs the Orioles, or even the Mariners. The competition will undoubtedly be stiff.

Do the Dodgers Need Ohtani to Win?

Ever since Julio Urias infamously exited the league in suspension, the Dodgers’ need for a starter has been apparent. But the paradox of Ohtani’s inability to pitch in 2024 poses the biggest questions. Per Jon Heyman of The New York Post, “…their rotation is so riddled with questions that word is they will be ‘very focused’ on starters this winter.”

Despite 2023 giving the club trouble with strong starters, they have consistently ended several previous seasons on a winning note. With long-term contracts like the superstar duo of Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, offense is not a problem. If Ohtani joins as a batter for 2024, the Dodgers can afford to be flexible with his contract and wait until 2025 for him to pitch. So yes, in one respect, the Dodgers may need Shotime’s arm.

Does Shohei Ohtani Dislike Hitting at Dodger Stadium?

A rumor that has circulated around Los Angeles is Shohei Ohtani’s apparent dislike of Dodger Stadium. Even the Boys in Blue are seemingly aware of it, even if the gossip is simply baseless facts. Despite the weather advantage in Los Angeles, it has been speculated that the Angels slugger does not like their crosstown rival’s ballpark. It could simply be that the Dodgers have excellent pitchers, but really, who knows?

Will Winning the 2023 World Series Impact the Dodgers’ Ohtani Pursuit?

Although their last Fall Classic victory was in 2020, the Los Angeles Dodgers have proven to be a historically strong team. All they need is some powerful play that can make the World Series a consistent reality. 2023 could be the year the NL West toppers clinch another title. That particular victory might put into perspective whether a name like Shohei Ohtani will improve the roster.

But if they don’t, the two-way sensation will definitely be sought after.

Are the Dodgers the Favorites to Sign Ohtani?

So far, yes. Some say that Los Angeles is a preferable city for Ohtani because of its geographical benefits. Since he rejected New York in 2017, he could do it again. Although he will be in the NL, the only thing baseball’s unicorn will have to do is move a few miles and put on a new uniform if chooses the Dodgers.

The club can afford his paycheck and be flexible with his two-way talent. On paper, they sound like the perfect next landing spot.

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