MLB Rumors: Shohei Ohtani free-agency clue, Dansby injury, JV return

MLB Rumors: Dodgers close in on Shohei Ohtani

The Los Angeles Dodgers are the top threat for Shohei Ohtani this offseason for a reason. Los Angeles lowered its payroll last winter with signing Ohtani — who is scheduled to be a free agent after this season — in mind. Ohtani could make more than $500 million, per some estimates.

Ohtani is one of the best hitters and pitchers in baseball today. He’s virtually two players, so it should come as no surprise that he’ll reset the market entirely.

The Dodgers have several priorities this coming winter, including re-signing their current ace, Julio Urias, who will be a free agent. Ohtani will be the largest commodity, however, given he’s a generational talent the likes of which we haven’t seen since Babe Ruth.

In The Athletic’s MLB Player Poll, more than 100 players believed Ohtani would end up with the Dodgers by next season. That was good for 57.2 percent of the vote, with the Angels finishing in second place at 11.4 percent.

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Ohtani reportedly prefers his time on the west coast, which is why he never really considered Boston or New York to begin with. By switching allegiances to the hometown Dodgers, Ohtani would put himself in a better position to win long-term. Ohtani’s regular-season failures, in terms of team accolades, have resulted in postseason-less campaigns year after year.

While he’ll surely win more MVPs, perhaps even this season, watching Ohtani in a winner-take-all environment is a win for baseball. Look no further than his enthusiasm with Japan in the World Baseball Classic.