The Los Angeles Dodgers entered the free agency market in desperate need of a starting pitcher, but it appeared that Shohei Ohtani, who is anticipated to recover from a second Tommy John surgery and not hit the mound until 2025, was the team’s main target.

Naturally, a number of organizations are interested in Ohtani, who recently won his second consecutive unanimous American League MVP Award. Although he is not allowed to discuss the two-way sensation, Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman is rumored to be committed to signing Ohtani.

According to numerous sources, Ohtani has a soft spot for staying on the West Coast and also has admiration for the Dodgers organization.

David Vassegh of AM 570 L.A. Sports Radio states that Ohtani’s signing by the Dodgers is still anticipated.

The Dodgers are still pursuing Shohei Ohtani, and all signs point in that direction. I have no idea when or how much it will cost. However, all indications lead to Ohtani and the Dodgers coming to an understanding.

While the Dodgers have long been thought to be the front-runners to sign Ohtani, others think that may ultimately backfire on the organization. Ohtani previously defied expectations when he chose to sign with the Los Angeles Angels following his posting to Major League Baseball.

There have also been rumors that Ohtani could end up with the Texas Rangers, New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, San Francisco Giants, and Seattle Mariners. However, it has been stated that the confidence of the Mariners and Mets has declined recently.

Shohei Ohtani favors individual, private agencies.

Being a well-known private individual, Ohtani apparently won’t consider a team if it is revealed that they met during free agency.

The belief that the 29-year-old will just make an announcement through his agent, Nez Balelo, has been stoked by this. The announcement might occur before or during the Winter Meetings in Nashville at the start of December.