The 21st century Babe Ruth and the Los Angeles Dodgers seem like a match. While the former is renowned for his ‘superman’ two-way skills, the latter is known as baseball’s most consistent winners and is liked for their geographical location. But one aspect that stands out is the Dodgers’ ability to afford a $500 million price tag, which the LA Angels star is anticipated to get in upcoming free agency. Amid the inevitable match of fates, a renowned MLB insider deems the Dodgers unfit for Sho-time.

After winning the NL West 10 of 11 years and 94 games in the season, the 2020 WS champions stand as one of the strongest contenders to sign the Japanese sensation. But there is a twist in the tale. Per Jon Heyman, the current belief is that the Dodgers are “not quite as clean a fit” for two major reasons.

Los Angeles Dodgers and Shohei Ohtani- Fit or Misfit?

With possibilities come rumors. Per the MLB insider, “their rotation is so riddled with questions that word is they will be “very focused” on starters this winter…the two-way star will only be a hitter, or in 2024 at least. The belief now is the Dodgers are “not quite as clean a fit” as before.” While Dr. Neal ElAttrache, Shohei Ohtani’s surgeon, expressed overall optimism following elbow surgery, it appears that Ohtani will be limited to a hitter role, at least until 2024.

The other potential concern might not hold much weight, but there has been speculation, even among Dodgers personnel, that Ohtani may not particularly enjoy hitting at Dodger Stadium. This seems perplexing since Dodger Stadium offers a neutral playing field, and both Dodger Stadium and Angel Stadium benefit from favorable weather conditions. Furthermore, Ohtani’s impressive career 1.149 OPS at Dodger Stadium contradicts any doubts about his performance there.

Shohei Ohtani’s Injury Won’t Prevent His $500 Million Deal

The tables for Ohtani indeed turned a bit but won’t flip upside down. His pitching career restriction has put a temporary question mark, but still, he will be the most valuable free agent, per Jon. After A-Rod’s $252 million deal with the Texas Rangers, which was in itself almost the double of the then-biggest sports contract back in 2000-01 (Kevin Garnett, $126 million), Ohtani will create new history by signing the double amount of A-Rod. This will be even after he cannot pitch until 2025.

Read More: Why Is Shohei Ohtani the MVP Favorite Over Aaron Judge?

Though the Red Sox, Rangers, and Padres are all in the race, the Dodgers are still leading Ohtani’s free agency race. Now the fans await which team and how much contract value Ohtani will land.

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