The Dodgers’ Advantage in Pursuing Shohei Ohtani: MLB Insider’s Insights

In the highly-anticipated pursuit of two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers stand as the favorites, despite strong competition from other teams. MLB insider Jon Morosi recently shared valuable insights on MLB Network, shedding light on why the Dodgers have a distinct advantage in the Ohtani sweepstakes.

Key Takeaways:

• Rehabilitation Expertise: Ohtani is set to miss the 2024 season due to a torn UCL, requiring intensive rehabilitation to return to pitching in 2025. The Dodgers have a unique offering – the chance for Ohtani to work closely with the surgeon who performed his surgery. Moreover, the team boasts a track record of aiding pitchers in their recovery from various injuries.
• Walker Buehler’s Example: Right-hander Walker Buehler, who underwent Tommy John surgery, was nearly ready for a comeback by the end of the previous season. This highlights the Dodgers’ capability to collaborate with Ohtani, assisting him in regaining his status as the historic player baseball fans adore.
• Shared Load: While Ohtani temporarily transitions into a hitter for the upcoming season, he won’t bear the weight of the entire team on his shoulders. The Dodgers boast a roster filled with star players who can help share the burden, alleviating the pressure that was solely on Ohtani during his time with the Angels.

Jon Morosi emphasized that the Dodgers can provide Ohtani with everything he desires in his baseball journey, making it a mutually beneficial proposition. In return, the Dodgers could secure one of the most prominent athletes in sports history to bolster their roster. It’s a win-win scenario for both sides, and as the anticipation mounts, fans hope to see Shohei Ohtani donning the Dodgers’ colors for the foreseeable future.

As the MLB offseason unfolds, the Los Angeles Dodgers remain at the forefront of the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes. While other teams are eager to secure the two-way superstar’s services, insiders in the baseball world believe the Dodgers hold a unique advantage in bringing Ohtani to the City of Angels.

MLB insider Jon Morosi recently discussed why the Dodgers are in a prime position to sign Ohtani during an appearance on MLB Network. One key factor that gives the Dodgers an edge is Ohtani’s upcoming rehabilitation process. Due to a torn UCL, Ohtani will not be pitching in the 2024 season, and his focus will be on recovering to return to the mound in 2025. The Dodgers can offer him the opportunity to work directly with the surgeon who performed his surgery, a unique advantage that sets them apart from other suitors. Additionally, the Dodgers have a strong history of helping pitchers recover from various types of injuries, which could be a significant draw for Ohtani.

“With Ohtani and the Dodgers, the reason why it’s so logical has very little, I believe, to do with the geography of how close he has been living to where the Dodgers play and everything to do with how consistently they win and Shohei wants to get back to being the dominant two-way player that he’s been with the Angels. And the person that can help him do that is Dodgers team physician Dr. Neal ElAttrache, he performed the surgery on his elbow. He’s part of the medical team there with the Dodgers, that Harold is a massive advantage.”

Per Jon Morosi via MLB Network

The Dodgers also have a compelling example in their own roster – right-hander Walker Buehler, who underwent Tommy John surgery. The team was on the verge of getting Buehler back on the field by the end of the previous season, showcasing their expertise in rehabilitating pitchers. This experience could be invaluable for Ohtani as he looks to regain his status as one of baseball’s most exceptional talents.

Furthermore, Ohtani wouldn’t have to carry the entire load for the Dodgers in 2024 as he focuses on hitting. The team boasts other star players who can share the responsibility, unlike his previous stint with the Angels, where the burden often fell squarely on his shoulders.

In essence, the Dodgers can offer Shohei Ohtani a comprehensive package that meets his needs as a player and a person. In return, they have the chance to add one of the most remarkable athletes in the history of sports to their roster. It’s a win-win proposition, and baseball fans eagerly await Ohtani’s decision, hoping that he will choose to join the Dodgers for the foreseeable future.