The Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes are over, and the pitcher who throws like a Cy Young candidate and hits like a two-time MVP (which he is) is… a Los Angeles Dodger. Massive record-breaking contract included.
Saturday, the pitcher/slugger announced his decision on Instagram, writing in part: “Until the last day of my playing career, I want to continue to strive forward not only for the Dodgers but for the baseball world.”
After a wild Friday filled with reports, speculation over his dog’s name and a plane — which Ohtani was not, in fact, on — tracked from California to Toronto ultimately ended with Ohtani staying in southern California and signing with the Dodgers, ending what’s been a fun free agency period as we’ve followed so many crumbs with Ohtani’s camp keeping things relatively secretive.
Now that it’s all over, it’s time to declare some winners and losers, including — of course — the team that was lucky enough to sign him:
Winner: Los Angeles Dodgers
Obviously, this is a huge win for the Dodgers — and for Ohtani, who probably doesn’t have to move — especially after manager Dave Roberts noted earlier this week that the team had met with Ohtani, despite reports that the pitcher didn’t want anything leaked. It seemed like there was a possible chance that this reveal could cost the Dodgers, but clearly not.
Now, Los Angeles will have a standout two-star on its roster and will surely continue to contend for National League titles and the World Series. And after Ohtani broke his own news Saturday, the Dodgers now have the best World Series odds.
Winner: Shohei Ohtani's bank account
Dude rightfully got PAID. We’ve got to call that out here. WILD.
Winner: The American League
Yes, there’s interleague play, but come the playoffs? No Ohtani to worry about, especially on a team like the Yankees.
Loser: Los Angeles Angels
This has to sting a bit. Although the Dodgers and Blue Jays appeared to be the top-2 finalists for the Ohtani sweepstakes, the Angels were reportedly still in the mix. But unfortunately for them, after six seasons, they’re now his former team as Ohtani will still play on the other side town.
The Angels won the first round of the Ohtani sweepstakes and have had the luxury of featuring one of the best players in Major League Baseball ever on their team, and yet, they still haven’t won their division in about a decade and haven’t won the American League pennant since their World Series title season in 2002. Now, it’s another team’s turn to try to win big with Ohtani, and unfortunately for the Angels, it’s the team on the other side of the greater Los Angeles area.
Loser: Toronto Blue Jays, San Francisco Giants and Chicago Cubs
Hi, Captain Obvious here. But after a wild Friday with internet sleuths trying to track down Ohtani and speculating he might have been en route to Toronto, this was a bit of a let down for Blue Jays fans. It would have been incredible for the Canadian franchise to beat out the Dodgers, Yankees and other suitors, but alas, Ohtani is staying in southern California. And that’s gotta be crushing for the Blue Jays.
The Giants, though not considered a favorite by the end of the week, were still reportedly in contention, USA TODAY Sports‘ Bob Nightingale reported Tuesday. And we kind of already knew the Cubs were out of it after reportedly “balking at Ohtani’s price tag of 10 years and at least $500 million, according to one high-ranking Cubs official.”
Losers: Fans of literally everyone except the Dodgers
Even if you’re team wasn’t in the running to win the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes, you’re probably still not pleased the megastar is now with the Dodgers.
