Shohei Ohtani free agency: Are Dodgers still the favorites?
Shohei Ohtani is set to begin one of the most anticipated free agencies in the history of American sports.
Does it ultimately end with him just hopping in a car and taking a short drive up I-5?
FOX Sports MLB Insider Ken Rosenthal said that he "still believes" the Los Angeles Dodgers are the favorites to sign Ohtani away from the Los Angeles Angels this offseason on the latest edition of "Foul Territory."
The Angels are expected to lose Ohtani, and the Dodgers have been long mentioned as a contender to sign the two-way superstar.
Ohtani, 29, was exceptional as both a hitter and pitcher in 2023 — especially as a hitter. Across the 135 games that he appeared in, Ohtani totaled 44 home runs, 95 RBIs and 20 stolen bases while posting a .304/.412/.654 slash line. His on-base percentage (.412), slugging percentage (.654), OPS (1.066), OPS+ (184) and total bases (325) were all MLB highs.
As a pitcher, Ohtani recorded a 3.14 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 167 strikeouts across 132.0 innings (23 starts). Ohtani's season was cut short in September due to a UCL tear in his pitching elbow, which is expected to keep him off the mound until at least 2025.
Yankees Hall of Famer Derek Jeter on the greatness of Shohei Ohtani
The Angels went 73-89, missing the playoffs for the ninth consecutive season; they moved on from manager Phil Nevin after the regular season. On the other hand, the Dodgers went 100-62, winning the NL West for the 10th time in 11 seasons, but were swept by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the National League Divisional series.
Ohtani was the 2021 American League MVP, 2018 AL Rookie of the Year and is a three-time All-Star.
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