Shohei Ohtani Sweepstakes: 3 Irresistible Factors That Continue Making the Los Angeles Dodgers Top Contenders

Six years in MLB have given Shohei Ohtani a reputation comparable to the greatest to have ever played. The two-way phenom, as he is also called, finds one or the other way to make it into the headlines. Be it his performances on the field or trade rumors off the field. Shotime’s rare talent, both as a pitcher and hitter, makes him the man to watch out for, and fans aren’t the only ones watching.

With such incredible talent and the figures to back it up, it is no surprise that Ohtani is the dream of many big franchises with big budgets. Suitors include the champions, the Texas Rangers, and the deep-pocketed New York Mets among others. But seemingly at the forefront of vying for an Ohtani deal are the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Dodgers’ long history with Shohei Ohtani

The Boys in Blue are a team with a rich history and deep connections with proven their mettle on the field. One only needs to look at the last several years’ record to see how the Japanese sensation would be suited to the Dodgers. But their position, as far as the Ohtani deal is concerned, is also influenced by a rich history between the two.

It was 2012 in Japan, and the scouts were looking for the country’s brightest prospects who might have a shot at an MLB contract. It was during this time that Logan White, the Dodgers scouting director, came across Shohei Ohtani. Instantly impressed by the young potential star, Ohtani reminded White of Clayton Kershaw, the Dodgers left-handed pitcher. During Shotime’s high school graduation, White made a statement saying, “I think he may have the same kind of potential (as Clayton Kershaw)”.

These were big words coming from a man with credibility. White’s track record includes scouting Hiroki Kuroda, Hyun-Jin Ryu, and Takashi Saito, among stars. Therefore, his endorsement of Ohtani was viewed in a serious light, and since that very time, the Japanese Babe Ruth has been on the Dodgers’ radar. And they tried their best to stay in touch.

Dodger’s personal touch in 2016 that backfired badly

After initially identifying Ohtani, the Dodgers found themselves unable to let go of the young talent. In 2016, during a friendly match between the teams of Japan and Mexico, the LA team reiterated their interest with a nonchalant but significant gesture. Dodgers player Adrian Gonzalez gifted Ohtani with a bag of team merchandise, including a signed jersey. The reasons behind that are unknown except for keeping a personal touch with the star, but MLB wasn’t pleased.

The Dodgers were issued a warning concerning this incident. But despite this controversy, the club stayed in contact with the star. Officials often visited his games in Japan on many occasions and aimed to add a potential connection between the two. However, their expectation of signing Ohtani turned into disappointment in 2018. Shotime decided to move to MLB and even chose California, but it was the team based in Anaheim rather than LA.

Financial reasons behind the non-signing of JD Martinez

The Boys in Blue have tried their best to create a personal connection with Shohei Ohtani for several years but have still failed to recruit him. Even so, they haven’t lost heart and continued to strategically plan for the same. A notable example is JD Martinez. The Dodgers did not re-sign the outfielder after his one-year, $10 million contract expired recently. They have also not been seen making any other significant signings.

The signs are clear as day. The iconic LA franchise is likely saving up to sign the 29-year-old Japanese sensation once and for all. The Dodgers are nearing what they’ve been waiting for for over a decade, and they will not let financial obstacles stand in their way. Adding Ohtani to an already deadly team might make them world-beaters and push them up to World Series contention for years to come.

However, as per the LA Times, “None of this guarantees Ohtani will choose the Dodgers. One baseball insider half-joked that this column could be the kiss of death for the Dodgers, considering Ohtani’s individualistic nature. Would a player who has spent his career defying convention sign with a team that everyone says he should pick?”

What does the future hold?

As the market buzzes with speculations of a record $500 million deal, the Dodgers find themselves in a unique situation. They have spent years developing a personal connection with the start. With free agency finally here and the Dodgers having financial flexibility, the stars seem to be aligned. Despite the two-way wonder’s recent injury woes and inability to pitch in the 2024 season, he remains a sought-after commodity.

Read More- Amazing Shohei Ohtani Statistic Stands Out as the Two-Way Phenom Takes Home Silver Slugger

The MLB landscape is dynamic and unpredictable. One thing’s for sure – the LA Dodgers’ efforts have put them up as frontrunners. A potential 30-mile drive could see the Dodgers finally getting the man they have been looking for. Do you believe the Dodgers will be able to sign Ohtani, or will some other team take the cake?

Watch the Story – Young Shohei Ohtani’s Journey To Elite Hitting Proving His Little League Coach Wrong