As the MLB free agency and trade market continues to wait on Shohei Ohtani to make his decision, the Los Angeles Dodgers have continued heavily pursuing the two-way superstar.
The Dodgers are widely considered the favorites to land Ohtani, but they still face strong competition from some opposing clubs.
Ohtani reportedly had a meeting with the Toronto Blue Jays, and it’s believed he met with the San Francisco Giants as well. It also remains a possibility that he returns to the Los Angeles Angels, and the Cubs are in the mix, although they appear less optimistic about their chances.
While other clubs have kept private about their meetings with Ohtani, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed Ohtani was in for a visit at Dodger Stadium last week, and the skipper believes the meeting that lasted around two or three hours was productive, via Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com:
Dave Roberts confirms the Dodgers met with Shohei Ohtani at Dodger Stadium “a couple days ago.” Roberts said it “went well” and that the two sides became “more familiar” with each other. “It was just a pleasure to get to spend some time with him.”
— Anthony Castrovince (@castrovince) December 5, 2023
Although there was a belief Ohtani did not want his meetings with teams leaked, Roberts discussed why he decided to share the news and doesn’t think it will affect their chances of signing him:
Roberts expressed confidence in the Dodgers’ chances but stressed that Ohtani is his own man.
Why did Roberts confirm this to us? “I don’t feel like lying is something I do. I was asked a question… It’s going to come out at some point”
— Anthony Castrovince (@castrovince) December 5, 2023
Roberts expressing confidence in the signing is certainly a positive for the Dodgers, and it’s the most substantial news about Ohtani out as the free agent has remained private about his wants and next contract.
There was an early belief Ohtani would end up signing before the Winter Meetings, but it now looks more likely he will choose his next team within the next few weeks. If the Dodgers have their way, Ohtani will be playing in Los Angeles for the remainder of his career.
Whether his decision is with the Dodgers or another club, Ohtani’s contract is expected to be a historically-high figure, which could even reach $600 million. Ohtani is already believed to have offers of more than $500 million.
Ohtani batted .304/.412/.654 with 102 runs scored, 151 hits, 26 doubles, eight triples, 44 home runs, 95 RBI and 20 stolen bases across 135 games as a designated hitter, and he also went 10-5 with a 3.14 ERA in 23 starts and tossed his first career shutout on July 27 at Detroit.
Atlanta Braves falling out of Shohei Ohtani race?
The Atlanta Braves were among the reported finalists for Ohtani, but according to the latest reports, they are not seriously involved in the bidding process.
It always seemed far-fetched the Braves would sign Ohtani as they already have a deep lineup with greater needs at starting pitching, but that did not stop them from kicking the tires around the superstar.
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