Shohei Ohtani Rumors: MLB Insider Says Dodgers Will Be Competing With 5 Teams to Sign Two-Way Star
In what's felt like an eternity despite the constant chatter around the situation, Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani looks all but ready to leave Anaheim for greener pastures to continue his career this winter.
As a free agent the likes of which MLB has never seen, the Dodgers among many other suitors will be lining up for his services once winter meetings begin.
Though the Dodgers boast the best track record over the past decade among each of these teams, let's analyze some possible reasons why Ohtani might take an offer from each of these teams.
For Chicago, their rebuild off of their 2016 World Series core has been swift, headlined by former Dodgers MVP Cody Bellinger and some strong pitching from both rookies and veterans alike.
The Cubs also employ Ohtani's fellow countryman in Seiya Suzuki and such a draw could bring the Japanese superstars together at Wrigley.
It's a similar story in Boston as their World Series rebuild has started with Triston Casas and Rafael Devers, but Masataka Yoshida's place on the team could also attract Ohtani to Fenway.
Texas hasn't been shy about their spending in the past few seasons with Marcus Semien and Nathan Eovaldi as examples and could benefit from another notable Japanese pitcher like they did from Yu Darvish years ago.
For the Giants, their roster has lacked a true star even with their successful 2021 season and after failing to secure Aaron Judge in 2022, Ohtani's signing to the Bay would surely make up for it.
Finally, the Padres have never been shy to chase star talents and their high spending ownership group has allowed many aggressive moves by GM AJ Preller.
Ohtani's introduction at Petco would be no different from this trend either as the unicorn in a Padres uniform could be an even bigger draw than their already star-studded lineup provides.
Even if the Dodgers have long been rumored the favorites in the Ohtani sweepstakes, no one knows what he might do until the winter.
For now, Dave Roberts' club remains focused on winning another World Series title without his services.
