Dodgers Rumors: LA Remain Favorites to Sign Shohei Ohtani in Free Agency

A great addition, albeit with more risk than before.

Considering their cap situation and multiple contracts set to expire in the winter, the Dodgers are clearly gearing up to make a move for the most anticipated superstar in MLB history.

Awaiting their patient and shrewd roster moves, LA has the opportunity to sign Shohei Ohtani away from Anaheim this season and have the top odds to do so according to one analyst. 

The one thing Ohtani’s said is he wants to win, and no team wins more consistently. Ohtani is thought to like Southern California (who beyond Eduardo Rodriguez doesn’t?), and it’s hard to imagine his alleged preference for a smaller city will discourage him from moving 45 miles up I-5. One reason LA may draw a line: They already have a great TV deal and basically sell out. Odds: 2-1

via Jon Heyman, New York Post

Long rumored to break the market with a contract unlike any other baseball has seen, Ohtani's recent tear in his UCL make his two-way prowess suddenly less likely to continue as his career progresses. 

Every team wanting to sign the Japanese sensation knows the value he brings on both sides of the ball, but his recently torn elbow revealed that his workload for 2023 has caused him to break down on at least one side of the ball. 

A dominant power bat to any lineup, pitching or not, Ohtani's value has suddenly taken a significant hit as his elbow may never be the same again should he require a second Tommy John surgery like he did in 2018. 

MLB's home run, WAR and runaway AL MVP leader in 2023, Ohtani's season has still been a historic one and even if he doesn't play another game this year nobody will question his value on the open market. 

Should the Dodgers pursue him, cautious approach or not, both the player and team would stand to benefit from a pairing at Chavez Ravine.