Dodgers News: Shohei Ohtani Praises Mookie Betts at All-Star Festivities

Ohtani to the Dodgers confirmed?

It’s no secret that the Los Angeles Dodgers plan to make an aggressive push to land Angels two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani this winter. It’s been in the plans for years now and even had LA lose out on a few talented players to they could make sure they had the money to give to Ohtani when the time came.

Well, at the All-Star game this year, the rumors of Ohtani and the Dodgers being linked got even louder and they were from Ohtani himself.

Now, Ohtani didn't come out and say that he wanted to become a member of the Dodgers but he was asked which player impresses him the most that he’s been around and his answer was simple. He said Los Angeles Dodgers star utility man Mookie Betts.

Ohtani said the chants to come to Seattle were nice but be was trying to focus on the game. Said he wasn’t as nervous as his first all star game.

Asked what player he admires and liked watching here, he said Mookie Betts.

— Britt Ghiroli (@Britt_Ghiroli) July 12, 2023

Out of all the talented players that Ohtani could have picked, he picked Betts. Now this guarantees nothing when it comes to the free agency of Ohtani but it certainly can’t hurt things.

"He's so versatile; he can play the outfield, play the middle infield. He's very, very talented."

Ohtani on Betts

If Ohtani admires Betts this much, he probably has started thinking about what it would be like to play alongside him each and every day.

This is great news for Dodger fans and adds more fuel to the fire about Ohtani possibly joining LA this offseason.

Most in the industry consider LA the favorite to land Ohtani anyway so this just creates more narrative surrounding the situation. 

We also got this gem from the All-Star game and make of this what you will. 

Just going to leave this here.

(Via Stephen Brashear, USA Today) pic.twitter.com/zwvkxBEDF5

— Noah Camras (@noahcamras) July 12, 2023

The All-Star week never seems to disappoint!