The Dodgers Competition in the Shohei Ohtani Sweepstakes Just Got Stiffer

Let the madness begin, as teams all over the MLB are now joining in the sweepstakes to sign two-way phenom superstar Shohei Ohtani.

The one thing that is on every Dodgers fan's wishlist this offseason is none other than the signing of two-way phenom superstar Shohei Ohtani.

For the first time in six years, Ohtani is finally back on the market after starting his career with the Los Angeles Angels.

Due to the Angels inability to make it to the postseason and Ohtani's desire to win, it is likely he will play elsewhere in 2024.

Unfortunately for Dodgers fans, the chance to see Ohtani in Dodger blue could possibly never happen as an NL Central team is prepared to offer Ohtani a very lucrative deal.

Source: The Chicago Cubs are preparing a very lucrative offer for the Japanese sensation Shohei Ohtani to trying to bring him to the Windy City, Cubs are really serious about this guy #Cubs #Chicago #ShoheiOhtani pic.twitter.com/APKAvOFSGH

— Mike Rodriguez (@mikedeportes) November 16, 2023

ESPN reporter Jesse Rogers recently released a story that the Cubs are looking for their second opportunity to sign Ohtani after missing out on the sweepstakes in the 2017-18 offseason.

It was also reported by Rogers that the Cubs would prefer to sign Ohtani over former 2019 NL MVP Cody Bellinger, who had a resurgence year this season with Chicago earning himself the 2023 NL Comeback Player of the Year award.

Multiple people in the industry have told @JesseRogersESPN that they believe the #Cubs are more likely to sign Shohei Ohtani to a massive free-agent deal than Cody Bellinger.

CHC was a finalist for Ohtani before he signed with the Angels ahead of the 2018 season. pic.twitter.com/bFs7SJZCeI

— MLB Deadline News (@MLBDeadlineNews) November 16, 2023

Before making the decision to sign with the Angels that year, the Cubs were one of seven teams that were finalists for Ohtani.

Like the Cubs, the Dodgers are one of many teams looking for a second opportunity to sign the 2021 and 2023 AL MVP.

While it's well thought around the industry that Ohtani prefers to stay on the West Coast, recent speculation has suggested that he would be willing to leave to play in the Midwest or East Coast. That has grown over the past week as the Atlanta Braves were rumored to be a landing spot for the two-way player.

However, there has not really been any indication of where he will end up signing as rumors have continued to spiral since the offseason began.