Next Team Odds: Shohei Ohtani Favored To Join Los Angeles Dodgers in MLB Free Agency

Shohei Ohtani is all set for free agency, and the pursuit of him could reach epic proportions.

A torn UCL is expected to keep the two-way star from pitching until 2025, but Ohtani’s bat alone makes him an incredible prize for next season, and his dual abilities thereafter could push him north of $50 million per year on a contract.

Ohtani declined a qualifying offer from the Los Angeles Angels this week, officially making him a free agent, and he could sign somewhere in the next few weeks.

DraftKings has unveiled its Next Team Odds for Shohei Ohtani, and the other Los Angeles ballclub leads the way as the favorite. The Dodgers are expecting to be major players for Ohtani, while three other National League teams also sit in the top-five.

Here is a look at the favorites to land Ohtani in free agency, per DraftKings on November 15th:

• Los Angeles Dodgers +110
• Chicago Cubs +350
• San Francisco Giants +650
• New York Mets +800
• New York Yankees +800

The Dodgers finished with the second-best record in the National League in 2023 at 100-62, earning a bye into the National League Division Series. However, they were walloped by divisional foe Arizona in three consecutive games to bring their season to a premature end.

Los Angeles already boasts stars like Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, and Ohtani would slot into the middle of the order, while he could also bring major value to L.A. on the mound in future years, as the Dodgers have question marks in the rotation.

The Cubs were surprisingly solid last season and seem poised to ramp up their competitiveness after a recent rebuild. Chicago was in the mix when Ohtani originally came over to the MLB but he preferred a West Coast team and the ability to play designated hitter.

Many don’t think geography is as important anymore for Ohtani, while the National League adding the DH has helped those teams in their pursuit of him.

There is speculation that Ohtani could decide to sign a one-year deal so that he can hit the market again next offseason with both his full hitting and pitching capabilities.

If that happens, teams that would be priced out of a long-term deal may be in the mix if they are willing to meet his asking price.

Here is a look at the rest of the Next Team Odds to sign Shohei Ohtani in free agency, courtesy of DraftKings:

• Texas Rangers +900
• Boston Red Sox +1000
• Seattle Mariners +1200
• Los Angeles Angels +1600
• Philadelphia Phillies +1800
• Toronto Blue Jays +2000
• San Diego Padres +2000
• Field (Any Other Team) +2000

There are a lot of big-name players hitting free agency, but Ohtani’s destination dwarfs everyone else. He is going to be the runaway winner for American League MVP and is expected to take his talents to a new team next year.

The whole baseball world will be watching to see where Ohtani ends up, with the Dodgers opening as the favorites for his Next Team odds.

However, the possibility of a one-year deal makes me think that some of the mid-market teams could be surprising entrants into the mix. While a team like the Diamondbacks wouldn't necessarily be in play, they are fresh off a run to the World Series and could afford signing Ohtani for 2024 to be their designated hitter, which is currently a weak spot.

The Field seems like an enticing choice just in case Ohtani decides to sign for one season and re-enter free agency in 2024.