For the first time since entering Major League Baseball, Shohei Ohtani is a free agent, following six seasons as a two-way All-Star with the Los Angeles Angels.

Although Ohtani will have a lot of suitors this offseason, the Los Angeles Dodgers are generally regarded as the front-runners to sign him because of their home field and winning streak.

Ohtani also values the Dodgers’ ability to develop players and their coaching style, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.

Numerous reports claim that Ohtani has previously professed a connection to particular teams and cities. He has a great deal of regard for the Los Angeles Dodgers’ winning ways, player development capabilities, and advanced coaching style.

In addition to winning the National League West in ten of the previous eleven seasons, the Dodgers have won one World Series and three pennants in that time.

The organization’s capacity to continuously develop players and assist others in getting their careers back on track has been essential to the remarkable run. Ohtani is a perfect fit for the Dodgers because he is one of the sport’s most innovative players.

The 29-year-old is anticipated to ink a record-breaking contract this offseason, but in an effort to prove once again that he is a top starting pitcher, he may be amenable to a short-term agreement with an opt-out clause.

2023 is Shohei Ohtani’s season.Ohtani, who is expected to win the 2023 American League MVP Award, had a fantastic game.304/.412/.654 in 599 plate appearances (135 games) this past season with 26 doubles, 8 triples, 44 home runs, 95 RBI, and 20 stolen bases.

He pitched 132 innings (23 starts) and was 10-5 on the mound with a 3.14 ERA, 4.00 FIP, 1.06 WHIP, and 11.4 strikeouts per nine.

Ohtani suffered a right elbow UCL tear during a start against the Cincinnati Reds on August 23, 2023, ending his season. It is anticipated that the elbow surgery he had in 2024 will prevent him from pitching.

Ohtani’s oblique strain also kept him out of action for the majority of September, but he should be fully recovered for spring training. Next season, he will be a full-time designated hitter, and in 2025, he should be back on the mound.