MLB rumors: Dodgers back in Ohtani talks, Cardinals ready to cash in, Stroman destination, more

Shohei Ohtani to the Dodgers is very much in play at the trade deadline

As will be typical for the next week-plus, Shohei Ohtani will be the primary focus of any and all meaningful MLB rumors.

Frankly, your neighbor’s guess is as good as anyone else’s as far as what team will end up rostering Ohtani — I was shocked to hear the Tampa Bay Rays mentioned — come August 2nd, but clearly, some teams are ahead of others in terms of general likelihood.

One would think the Angels will demand a high price to move a generational talent like Ohtani, and the most likely possible teams to find that price tenable are those who think they have a chance of re-signing him come the offseason when he enters free agency. After all, while Ohtani might be the best rental player of all time, sending out a massive haul for just a few months of a player seems ill-advised from a long-term team-building standpoint.

Teams could view the cost as more palatable if they have hopes of getting him to sign his massive long-term deal with them in the winter. The Los Angeles Dodgers — due to their West Coast location and winning history — are thought to be current leaders.

Lo and behold, they are also rumored to be in the mix to try to trade for Ohtani as well. Jon Heyman reported that sources have told him the Dodgers aren’t, “completely eliminated,” as a trade candidate. This comes after reports previously that indicated the Angels were refusing to send Ohtani to the cross-town team.

Sounds like anything could go in regards to Ohtani.