“The Dodgers are confident they have more than $500 million in salary flexibility for Ohtani.”

After Shohei Ohtani (29, Los Angeles Angels) was declared “pitcher’s disabled” with an ulnar collateral ligament strain in his left elbow, there was widespread speculation in the U.S. media that he would be priced out of the 2023-2024 free agent market. In reality, Ohtani’s asking price was expected to be at least $500 million, with analysts saying it could reach $600-700 million, but after the elbow injury, the $600-700 million talk became a moot point.

However, things have since changed a bit. Ohtani’s agency has confirmed that he will need elbow surgery, but not on the same area he had surgery on in 2018. Specifically, they said that he may not have Tommy John surgery, and they’re adamant that he won’t give up on Idoru because of this injury.

In any case, it’s almost certain that he won’t be back pitching in 2024. At the end of the day, the big question is where the Dodgers stand. Other Western clubs have been mentioned, but the consensus is that Ohtani will most likely end up in a Dodger uniform. 안전놀이터

The Dodgers’ love for Ohtani is palpable. In addition to attending the 2017-2018 U.S.-Japan Posting, there are anecdotal accounts of the Dodgers watching him in high school before he joined the Nippon Professional Baseball Nippon Ham Fighters, preparing him for an international amateur contract. So, this fall, the Dodgers will have their work cut out for them.

On July 7, Fansided emphasized that the Dodgers’ love for Ohtani hasn’t changed despite his elbow injury. “This will be the winter of Ohtani, who the Dodgers have long coveted. We are confident we have over $500 million in salary flexibility for Ohtani.”

The Dodgers have projected Ohtani to be eligible again in 2025. “Ohtani is arguably the best hitter in the majors and will return to pitch in 2025,” said Fansided. Expect president Andrew Friedman, general manager Dave Roberts and the entire organization to continue their all-out pursuit of Ohtani.”

However, Fansided predicts that the Dodgers will be looking to add starting pitching because Ohtani will not be able to pitch in 2024. The Dodgers need starting pitching, even if it’s not necessarily the Ohtani variable. They can’t keep Julio Urias, who has domestic violence issues, for much longer, and Clayton Kershaw is also a free agent. Plus, there’s no shortage of quality starting pitchers on the free agent market this winter. Regardless, it doesn’t change the fact that Ohtani is the star of the show this winter.