"It's not going to happen" - Ex-Marlins President crushes MLB's hope for Aaron Judge vs. Shohei Ohtani WS matchup to stop rumored ESPN opt-out
MLB insider and Former Miami Marlins president David Samson has downplayed the possibility of Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge facing off in the 2024 World Series. A high-stakes matchup between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees, two of baseball's biggest teams, would be the dream scenario from a broadcasting standpoint.
MLB is currently in a deal with ESPN that lasts through to the 2028 season at $540 million per year. In the contract, there is reportedly a clause that allows both sides the opportunity to end the deal early, after the end of the 2025 season. However, John Ourand of Puck reported in March that ESPN will 'likely' exercise its right to end its MLB contract a year early.
That is a cause for concern for the MLB, and the league will be hoping for big matchups in the postseason to generate a lot of viewership. It is no secret that the biggest teams generate the most viewership, and a World Series matchup between two of baseball's most star-studded teams could bring in the kind of numbers that could convince ESPN to continue with the deal.
On Tuesday's episode of Nothing Personal with David Samson, David talked about why a 'battle of the titans' between the Shohei Ohtani-led Dodgers and Aaron Judge's Yankees would be a perfect scenario for MLB. (Start at 8:15)
"They (MLB) believe there's a scenario this year where the Dodgers and Ohtani will face the Yankees and Judge in the World Series. It is exactly what they want with ESPN having a chance to opt out of their deal, trying to guarantee a compelling playoff matchup, to try to get some momentum carrying into next year and the year after."
However, the former Marlins president talked about why it may not materialize, with the Yankees looking inconsistent of late.
"So many things point to a Dodgers-Yankees World Series, that I can guarantee that it's not going to happen. In order for the Dodgers and Yankees to meet in the world series, the Yankees also have to hold up. They are fighting tooth and nail with the Orioles, back and forth they go."
A major issue with the Yankees currently is that their batting order is too reliant on their top order, mainly their destructive trio of Aaron Judge, Juan Soto and Giancarlo Stanton. Also, their bullpen has been leaking runs off late, something which may hold them back in the playoffs.
The Dodgers too, are not perfect, although they did go an impressive 19-8 in August thanks in large part to superstar Shohei Ohtani's brilliance. The major issue with the Blues is that a major chunk of their best starters, such as Tyler Glasnow and Yoshinobu Yamamoto are injured.
Shohei Ohtani steals three bases as Dodgers beat D-backs
The Los Angeles Dodgers won their latest series, as they beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 11-6 at Chase Field on Monday. Starting pitcher Jack Flaherty continued his strong form as he struck out seven and gave up only one earned run in 5.2 innings.
Shohei Ohtani continued to progress towards the historic milestone of a 50-50 season, as he stole three bases on the day, giving him 46 on the year. For the 2024 season, Ohtani is batting .292, with 44 home runs and 98 RBIs.
Next, the Dodgers head back to LA to take on the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday. Having won their last four series on the bounce, Shohei Ohtani and co. will look to keep up their good form and make it five in a row in Anaheim.