Amidst the veil of uncertainty surrounding Shohei Ohtani’s signing, the Los Angeles Dodgers emerge as the favored prediction, although nothing is certain. Speculation runs rampant, with limited information flowing from Ohtani’s camp. While insiders at Tennessee’s Opryland resort, the venue for this year’s meetings, remain in the dark, consensus within the baseball community leans towards the Dodgers as the frontrunners.
The Dodgers possess the ideal combination of need, financial resources, market appeal, and a concerted effort to secure the biggest catch of the offseason. Their interest aligns perfectly. However, it hinges on one crucial factor: Ohtani’s desire to join them.
The Dodgers check all the boxes that Ohtani supposedly seeks. A generous financial offer? Check. A competitive team consistently making the playoffs? Absolutely. A strong organizational culture known for maximizing player potential? Undoubtedly. The comfort of Southern California, with its sense of continuity and a significant Japanese community? Certainly.
In theory, the Dodgers have everything Ohtani could desire, but it’s important to emphasize that it remains speculation. In a recent ESPN+ documentary, Ohtani revealed that his decision to sign with the Angels in 2017 was guided by instinct and intuition. He trusted his instincts and got a positive vibe from that organization.
Who’s to say he won’t experience a similar feeling with other teams this time? What if his meeting with Farhan Zaidi in San Francisco exceeded expectations? What if the Braves’ pitching coach left an indelible impression? Numerous factors could sway the scales in various directions. The Dodgers possess structural advantages, giving them a head start and an edge.
However, it’s worth noting that the Dodgers held similar advantages in 2017, yet Ohtani surprised the baseball world by choosing a different path. He could very well do the same again. Although the introduction of the universal designated hitter (DH) alters the landscape this time around, Ohtani’s preferences and intentions remain veiled in mystery. The multitude of predictions favoring the Dodgers in Nashville merely serve to heighten expectations rather than provide concrete answers.