December 2nd, 2023 at 12:30 pm 
by Ron Cervenka Judging by what is still being reported by nearly every major MLB sports outlet, the Los Angeles Dodgers are still the lead horse in the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes for what is expected to be the largest contract in MLB history.
Or are they?
Early Saturday morning, LA Times Dodgers beat writer Jack Harris reported (via MLB Trade Rumors) that the Dodgers were now also among the favorites to possibly land 29-year-old former Washington Nationals, Chicago White Sox, Angels of Anaheim, and Cleveland Guardians now free agent right-hander Lucas Giolito.
Or are they?
As noted in the MLBTR piece, the Santa Monica, CA native and first-round draft pick by the Nationals out of Harvard-Westlake High School in Los Angeles has had a rather tumultuous past few seasons and now owns a an eight-year MLB career record of 61-62, which is certainly tolerable for Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman.
Where things get a bit uncomfortable for the Dodgers faithful is with Giolito’s (now) career ERA of 4.43, which is up considerably from the mid-3.00 ERAs he posted each season between 2019 and 2021. In other words, the three or four-year/$51MM to $72MM(-ish) free agent contract that Giolito and his agents at Creative Artists Agency LLC (CAA) are seeking may be a bit out of Friedman’s price range.
That said, a lofty one or two-year deal to allow the So Cal native, who grew up a mere 20 miles from Chavez Ravine, to re-prove himself is exactly the kind of thing that has made Andrew Friedman among the best in the business.
Stay Tuned…
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I hope the Dodgers pass on Ohtani. Let the Giants or some other team sign him to a ludicrous boat anchor contract.
move on and away. keep J. D.
Kind of like the Mookie Betts contract? 40 mil per year for a perpetual collapse in the playoffs, and a patethic pandemic tourney win, that the dodgers laughingly call a World Series win.. hahah
ok, so what does this have to do with Otani? The Dodgers need multiple arms. Weak article.
I wish they would stop with the rumors, it’s terrible to continuously hear about something that’s never going to happen.
With so many good pictures available, pass on Ohtani and get two or three solid starters
CLICK BAIT!
What exactly is the point of this article except click bait? I mean I guess it worked since it got me and others to not only click but comment as well.
But I have a couple questions for those Dodger fans wanting to pass on Ohtani…
1. You do realize the Dodgers have nearly unlimited finances and Ohtani’s contract will not hinder them in any way going forward, right?
2. You do realize it’s not your money, right?
3. Did you watch the Postseason the last 3 years? The Dodgers haven’t hit for a damn. Ohtani lengthens and strengthens the lineup immensely. He’s arguably the best hitter in the sport right now. Just imagine what he can do while not pitching in 2024.
4. And lastly, you do realize the Dodgers can sign Ohtani, sign 2 starting pitchers AND add another outfielder and still be under the luxury tax, right?
There’s no good argument for the Dodgers to pass on Ohtani. None. If he’s not a Dodger it’s a massive fail by the front office in my eyes.
You’re a thousand percent correct Jay. I really start the question the IQ of some of our Dodger fans when they make ludicrous statements like that. The Dodgers are Cash Cow and their entire reasoning for getting under the luxury crap threshold was to go Full Tilt for a tiny. We have a young good core of pitchers, and the experience the youngsters got this past season will both very well for them in the future.
Responding to #2
Where do you think revenue comes from???
Of course it’s out money “the fans”
Have you seen the price of tickets?
Price of food, beer, parking. It’s insane!!!
A family of 4 is completely screwed and until people say no more and draw a line, it will continue.
Also, you have to have Spectrum to see a game on TV.
Well said sir…they probably don’t know much about ohtani and are satisfied with the dodgers being the best REGULAR season team. To me it depressing choke in the series where it counts the most.
5. Regardless of the dismal playoff results, fans will show up
Last season set us up for what is on the horizon. As a Dodger fan since the slaying of the beast in ‘55 , it is all so exciting to be a perennial contender . It’s a hike from Pa to La ; but I’ll find a way to get there to see the young guns prevail with the help of a starter from Japan.
Agree. We have the only and lots comes fro non fan source. The TV contract. And let’s be technical. When you go to restaurant or store and pay for something, who you give money to, it’s theirs. So it is Dodger money, We have $$$$$. AF openupp the checkbook and get the player(s) we need and want. We get Ohtani, you will bring in tons of money from attendance, merchandise etc.
You are absolutely right. The financial return on ticket/merchandise sales is THE number one consideration for teams in on Ohtani – especially if it results in a ring.
I would rather sign JD Martinez Yamamato and Hader for 15 mil for 2, 27 mil for 7 and 20 mil for 6 respectively, total of 62 mil and have money to spend.
My guess is that Friedman gave Ohtani and his agent a one-time ‘take it or leave it’ offer and walked away to work on the contracts that you mentioned – and others. I also believe that it was a VERY generous offer.
I agree. If they sign him so be it, but what if he can’t pitch for some reason.
55 mil a yr?
J.D.SHOULD BE BROUGHT BACK IRREGARDLESS OF SIGHNING OHTANI. HARD TO IMAGINE A BETTER RIGHTHANDED BAT OFF THE BENCH. EITHER ONE COULD PUT ON A GLOVE FOR STARTS IN LEFT FIELD AS WELL.
I’d pay J.D. THE $14 MILL OR SO EVEN FOR 250 AT BATS. LOOK AT THE STATS FROM ’23. HE WAS THAT GOOD.
Los Angeles* Angels