The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Shohei Ohtani to a 10-year, $700 million contract that added a once-in-a-generation-talent to the National League West powerhouse for the foreseeable future.
The Dodgers losing to the Arizona Diamondbacks in the NL Division Series was a disappointing stamp on yet another successful regular season. President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman made Ohtani his sole priority to open up free agency.
Ohtani’s status as a two-time unanimous MVP and generational player is a significant boon for the Dodgers as they look to once again conquer October baseball.
The addition of Ohtani to the Dodgers roster is a monumental upgrade, but according to Diamondbacks principal owner Ken Kendrick, he isn’t the sole difference-maker in potential success:
“He’s as I said and would repeat, he’s a great player. Actually, I think it’s good for us we get to compete against him. Last I looked, he’s one of nine. And the last I also looked, he’s a designated hitter. He’s a great player. Is he the second coming? I would suggest not. Would you like to have a player of that talent on your team? Of course everyone would. We’ll have fun competing against him, we already did have fun competing against him, at least the last time we played.”
Although Kendrick correctly noted that Ohtani will be limited to his role as a designated hitter in 2024, it shouldn’t discount his ability to impact a game. In eight games against the Diamondbacks, the two-way star owns a 1.178 on-base plus slugging percentage in 18 at-bats.
Ohtani will have an opportunity to play against the Diamondbacks a number of times in the coming years, and when he’s cleared to pitch, will regain his unique, two-way play style.
Dodgers didn’t pursue Eduardo Rodriguez
Eduardo Rodriguez opted out of the final three years and $49 million on his last contract with the Detroit Tigers to become a free agent this winter. He then signed with the Diamondbacks for four years, $80 million.
During the trade deadline scramble this year, the Dodgers attempted to trade for the lefty but he invoked a 10-team no-trade clause, blocking the deal.
Rodriguez was reportedly open to signing with the Dodgers as a free agent, but the team is not believed to have pursued adding the southpaw despite their glaring need for pitching.
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