Shohei Ohtani stands out as one of the most exceptional talents in Major League Baseball today. At this stage in his career, his abilities speak for themselves, and there’s little need for further introduction. Widely considered one of the top players in baseball, Ohtani is set to become a free agent at the conclusion of the 2023 season.
It’s expected that Ohtani will command a record-breaking contract from whichever team he chooses to sign with. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic has made his prediction, suggesting that Ohtani will at the end join the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Angels’ rivals, during the offseason.
On the “Foul Territory” podcast, Rosenthal shared the reasoning behind his belief, which is shared by many in the baseball world, that Ohtani will land with the Dodgers.
Rosenthal referenced a recent poll that revealed widespread consensus among those in the game, showing that most expect Ohtani to end up with the Dodgers.
The respected MLB journalist also pointed out that the Dodgers have reduced their payroll this offseason, a move that has positioned them well for a big acquisition.
They made cost-effective signings like J.D. Martinez and Noah Syndergaard while allowing players such as Justin Turner, Cody Bellinger, and Trea Turner to leave in free agency.
Given their substantial financial resources, the Dodgers are in a favorable position to make a splash in the Ohtani sweepstakes.
Rosenthal also mentioned the New York Mets as a potential suitor, thanks to the financial backing of owner Steve Cohen. However, he believes that the Dodgers, with their strategic payroll decisions, are in the best position to secure Ohtani’s services.
