The Dodgers’ fan base was in a frenzy Tuesday after manager Dave Roberts told reporters the team met with free agent Shohei Ohtani a few days ago at Dodger Stadium. This is the first confirmation of any detail about the Dodgers’ pursuit of Ohtani from within the organization, other than nebulous expressions of admiration for his talent.
The biggest question is why Roberts announced the meeting. The Dodgers’ organization – and almost every team pursuing Ohtani this offseason – has been tight-lipped about their pursuit. Roberts was confident enough about Ohtani’s decision to let word of this meeting slip out. It also appears to contradict earlier reports that Ohtani would hold any leaks against a team that reveals details of his free agency process.
However, this wasn’t a private leak. It was Roberts answering a question honestly in a public forum, about a meeting that took place days ago.
Roberts wouldn’t do anything to hurt the Dodgers’ chances of signing the once-in-a-lifetime talent, so this has to be coming from a place of knowledge – perhaps that Ohtani has already decided where he will sign, whether in Los Angeles or somewhere else. Here are some reactions from Dodgers fans:
Even with Ohtani asking for privacy, it’s hard to believe he would allow Roberts’ admission of their recent meeting alter his decision about where to sign. Hopefully, it’s a sign Ohtani has already chosen the Dodgers.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
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