What’s the Japan Connection Between Los Angeles Dodgers Manager and Shohei Ohtani?

There is no bigger free agent than Shohei Ohtani as of today. His approaching free agency made the news long before the deadlines. With that, the Los Angeles pitcher and hitter is on the list of multiple big franchises. One such team, the Los Angeles Dodgers has found a Japanese element to it. Could this strengthen their chances of bagging Ohtani? 

The NL West counterpart of the Los Angeles Angels has ties with Ohtani quite coincidently. This takes one back to the times that the Dodgers had tried pursuing Shohei in the past. Way before Ohtani’s elbow surgery the Blue Crew had approached him twice already. Will the third time be a charm?

A surprising coincidence to have with Shohei Ohtani

Since he was a standout high school player in rural Japan, Ohtani has been a target for the Dodgers. With that, it’s time for a fun tidbit about the Dodgers. Manager, Dave Roberts who also happens to be a super fan of the Japanese-born star turns out to be partially from Japan himself. He has a Japanese lineage on his maternal side, in fact, Roberts too is Japanese-born. He hails from Naha, Okinawa. What a connection to have with someone who is a true fan! 

In June this year, Dave Roberts was all praises in an Angels vs Dodgers game. After seeing his performance, as reported in Dodger Blue, Roberts’ words were, “Just to be a starting pitcher and hold down a lineup like this like he did, and then hit at the top of the order and be such a force. It’s remarkable I’m a manager first, but as a fan, it’s hard not to appreciate that.” This fandom is not new, but rather a decade old. 

Over ten years ago when Ohtani was just known as “Otani,” it seemed unreal that a player could have a dual-prowess. It was as rare as it was great. As the team was heavily infatuated by this prodigy, the Dodgers were seen as the front-runners to sign Ohtani, twice, as per modern baseball history in fact. Both times though, they were unsuccessful in convincing Ohtani to join them. He has a tough fish to catch, a white whale perhaps. 

Will The Dodgers bag Ohtani?

The 29-year-old is anticipating the largest contract earned in the history of professional baseball. Although quantifying his talent is tough, the world speculates. Nothing much can be inferred till Ohtani recuperates from his recent surgery on 19th September. While one knows he won’t pitch till 2025, his return date is still unknown. 

Read More: Two-Way Phenom Shohei Ohtani Explores Canada in Free Agency as Business Decisions Impact Potential $500M Deal

In the case the Dodgers were to successfully bag Shohei Ohtani, they would have to make him an offer one cannot match. Are the Dodgers planning on accommodating Ohtani? Well, one can only speculate by looking at their recent roster moves. 

Watch This Story: Unveiling the Driving Force Behind Shohei Ohtani’s Success – Meet Coach Toru Ohtani, the Mastermind Behind the Rising Star.