Shohei Ohtani Rumors: Dodgers Among 3 Finalists for Two-Way Superstar, According to Insider
The impending free agency of two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani has been one of the hottest topics of discussion for the last few years. Ohtani has made it clear that he wants to win but that he also wants a sense of comfort as well. His current team in the Angels can provide the comfort for him but the franchise hasn't made the playoffs one time since his arrival.
This has made many in the industry believe that Ohtani will end up leaving the Angels once he becomes a free agent. MLB insider Jon Heyman mentioned that many around the game see three teams as potential options for Ohtani. And yes, the Dodgers are one of them.
Heyman also mentions the incumbent Angels and the San Francisco Giants as options. It has long been thought that Ohtani prefers to be on the West Coast due to the proximity to his home county of Japan. This helps the Dodgers in this case but also gives access to others to step in.
"The Dodgers cleared financial room and are the most consistent winners."
LA seems to be the favorites to land Ohtani at this point. They can provide the winning franchise that Ohtani wants, the West Coast area and comfort since Los Angeles is just north of Anaheim. But don't discount the Angels or Giants in this race.
The Angels themselves need to prove to Ohtani that they can win. They are in the midst of a winning season but it remains to be seen if they can actually reach the postseason. It's crucial for them to do so if they want Ohtani. But then again, is one playoff appearance enough? Who knows.
As for the Giants, they are a real threat. They will have money to spend after losing out on Aaron Judge and Carlos Correa last winter and they have a good, young team to work with. They seem to be the biggest threat to the Dodgers outside of Ohtani staying with the Angels.
Nobody knows where Ohtani will land but one thing is for sure. It will be one of the most watched free agency periods of all time.
