The Los Angeles Dodgers are currently grappling with various concerns regarding potential trade targets and market conditions, which has led them to become hesitant in making bold moves. For instance, they are worried about the workload of Chicago White Sox pitcher Garrett Crochet, the unfavorable conditions of the market that benefit sellers, and whether they might get better returns for their top prospects like double-A catcher Dalton Rushing in the future.
This cautious approach has previously resulted in underwhelming trade-deadline acquisitions, such as the washed-up pitcher Lance Lynn last year and the strikeout-prone outfielder Joey Gallo the year before. These decisions reflect a pattern of complacency within the Dodgers’ management.
To avoid repeating past mistakes, someone needs to remind the team’s president of baseball operations, Andrew Friedman, that the Dodgers are only a few strategic additions away from becoming World Series favorites once again. This is where Shohei Ohtani comes in.
Ohtani, who has a significant platform, knows how to use his voice effectively. An example of this was when he spoke about major leaguers playing in the Olympics. Before the All-Star Game, he expressed his desire to play in the 2028 Games in Los Angeles and highlighted the benefits of Major League Baseball releasing its players for an Olympic tournament. His comments, along with those of other players like Bryce Harper and Aaron Judge, applied public pressure on baseball commissioner Rob Manfred.
However, Ohtani has maintained a more neutral stance regarding the trade deadline. He hasn’t pushed the front office to make any moves and has no plans to do so. He stated that if asked about a player’s performance from a player’s perspective, he would provide an answer, but he wouldn’t initiate any demands. This aligns with the cultural norms of his home country, Japan, where it’s rare for players to make demands of management in Nippon Professional Baseball. Moreover, the Dodgers did right by Ohtani in the offseason by signing outfielder Teoscar Hernández, trading for Tyler Glasnow, and signing Yoshinobu Yamamoto, showing their commitment to building a strong team around him.
The Dodgers’ cautious nature usually dictates that they insist on “winning” every deal, whether it be a trade or a free-agent contract. This approach often places them at the mercy of the market, leading to marginal upgrades rather than significant improvements. This is how they ended up with Gallo and Lynn as their major acquisitions in previous years.
Ohtani’s influence could be crucial in breaking this cycle of complacency. As the best player on the team, Ohtani has the stature to make Friedman listen to him. Being the sport’s No. 1 attraction gives him leverage with the team’s corporate overseers at Guggenheim Baseball Management. Furthermore, as a player deferring more than 97% of his salary, Ohtani has the moral authority to question how the Dodgers are utilizing the $68 million he is effectively loaning them each year.
If LeBron James can influence the Lakers to draft his son, Ohtani should be able to convince the Dodgers to bolster their roster. Whether he decides to use his influence might depend on the Dodgers’ actions in the coming days and their impact in October.
Ohtani is aware that the Dodgers’ current position is not permanent. He is 30 years old, Mookie Betts is 31, Freddie Freeman is 34, and Will Smith is 29. While these four All-Stars are signed to long-term deals, this season might be the only one where they are all in their primes simultaneously. Additionally, Hernández is on a one-year contract and could leave for a more lucrative deal in the winter.
This special assembly of talent could be compromised by weaknesses at the top of the rotation and the bottom of the lineup. If the Dodgers revert to their typical cautious behavior and squander this opportunity, Ohtani might feel compelled to speak up next summer.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has noticed how Ohtani’s personality has become more evident throughout the season, especially after the dismissal of an interpreter who stole over $16 million from him. Roberts has observed Ohtani’s rapid assimilation into the team and how he has opened up, showing his true personality. Ohtani often shares his insights on opposing pitchers with teammates, which indicates his potential as a clubhouse leader.
If the Dodgers fail to make impactful moves at the trade deadline again, Ohtani might need to do more than just lead in the clubhouse. To fulfill his desire to win, he might have to use his voice to bring common sense back into the team’s decision-making process. This wouldn’t only benefit him but also the entire organization.
