MLB insider explains Shohei Ohtani's decision to join Dodgers after Angels deal ended
Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers wrapped up a magical run in the postseason by taking down the New York Yankees on Wednesday. Up 3-1 in the World Series, they had an epic comeback to secure their fourth victory and hoist the trophy.
This was Ohtani's first postseason experience, and it could not have gone any better for the superstar. He was an integral part of the team's success both in the regular season and the postseason.
Being a WS champion is something Ohtani was hoping to become and a big reason why he chose to sign with the Blue Crew last offseason. The Athletic's Andy McCullough joins the crew at Foul Territory to discuss Ohtani's free-agent decision last year.
"Why did Shohei Ohtani pick the Dodgers, right? It's like it was kind of seen as he gifted his talents to them and in some ways, especially in a way that he structured this contract, he did," said McCullough.
Many were surprised to see how Ohtani deferred a large portion of his contract just so the club could still be aggressive and sign players around him. They are one of the few teams in the league that will stop at nothing to sign the best players and try to build the best possible team they can.
"He beleieved the Dodgers were the team who are best suited to do what they did last night, which is win the World Series and that's because they put in the work over the previous, you know, basically 10 years of establishing themselves as the gold standard in the sport," said McCullough.
Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers are early World Series favorites for 2025
While Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers are celebrating their World Series win over the Yankees, it is never too early to look into next season. World Series odds are already out for next season, and it is looking good for the defending champs.
According to ESPN Bet, they are the favorites to win it all again next season. Their odds are listed at +400, while the Bronx Bombers hold the second-lowest odds at +700.
These odds are subject to change, especially with the talent on the open market. However, the Blue Crew are currently the most stacked club and could get better with Ohtani's return to the mound next season.