The Los Angeles Dodgers are no strangers to success, having built a powerhouse team over the years that consistently contends for championships. However, as the MLB offseason progresses, one name continues to dominate the headlines: Shohei Ohtani. The two-way sensation is set to become the most sought-after free agent in baseball history, and the Dodgers are one of the top contenders to land him. But the question on everyone’s mind is, do the Dodgers *need* Ohtani to win the World Series, or could they still do it without him
Columnist Dylan Hernández recently argued that while the Dodgers could certainly compete for and even win a World Series without Ohtani, the truth is, no one wants that to happen. Fans, the organization, and baseball enthusiasts alike are captivated by the prospect of Ohtani donning Dodger blue. His arrival could not only push the team over the top but also transform the franchise in ways we haven’t seen since the arrival of stars like Clayton Kershaw or Mookie Betts.
Why the Dodgers Could Win Without Ohtani
The Dodgers have a well-established winning formula. Their roster is packed with talent, featuring stars like Betts, Freddie Freeman, and a developing core of young players like Bobby Miller and Miguel Vargas. Los Angeles has a deep farm system that consistently churns out promising prospects, ensuring they have the depth to sustain a long season and weather injuries. They have also been able to maintain an elite level of performance despite key injuries, such as those to Kershaw and Walker Buehler.
The front office, led by Andrew Friedman, has proven its ability to craft rosters that balance payroll, prospects, and veterans, keeping the Dodgers in contention year after year. Even without Ohtani, the Dodgers will likely make moves to bolster their pitching staff, possibly re-signing Clayton Kershaw, exploring other free-agent pitchers, or even making trades. These moves, combined with their already strong offense, give the Dodgers a legitimate shot at a title in 2024.
But here’s the catch: none of this negates the allure of having Ohtani. While the Dodgers might win, it wouldn’t feel quite as thrilling or satisfying without the added magic of baseball’s biggest star.
Why Everyone Wants Ohtani in L.A.
Shohei Ohtani isn’t just a generational talent — he’s a once-in-a-lifetime player. His ability to excel as both a pitcher and a hitter makes him unique, and he has captured the hearts of baseball fans worldwide. For the Dodgers, adding Ohtani would be about more than just boosting their chances of winning the World Series. It would signal their commitment to being a historic and transcendent franchise.
Ohtani’s arrival would make the Dodgers must-watch television every night, filling stadiums both at home and on the road. The marketing potential is astronomical, and the team’s global reach would expand even further, especially with Ohtani’s significant fanbase in Japan. It would also be a major coup to keep Ohtani in Southern California while taking him away from their biggest rival in the market, the Los Angeles Angels.
From a baseball perspective, the benefits are obvious. Even with the uncertainty surrounding Ohtani’s ability to pitch in 2024 following his elbow surgery, his offensive production alone makes him a game-changer. As one of the most feared hitters in baseball, Ohtani could slide into the middle of the Dodgers' lineup alongside Betts and Freeman, creating one of the most dangerous trios in MLB history. Imagine a lineup where Ohtani’s power and on-base ability complement Betts’ versatility and Freeman’s consistency. It would be a nightmare for opposing pitchers.
While Ohtani’s 2024 pitching status is unclear, if and when he returns to the mound, he would give the Dodgers an ace-caliber arm capable of dominating in both the regular season and the postseason. Having a player who can impact the game on both sides of the ball is a luxury no other team in baseball has ever had. For the Dodgers, it would be the ultimate move to cement their place in baseball history.
The Stakes of Ohtani’s Decision
The Dodgers have shown that they don’t need Ohtani to win. But sometimes, winning isn’t enough — not for a team like the Dodgers. They want to win in a way that will be remembered for generations. Securing Ohtani would do just that. It’s about making a statement, about setting the bar for excellence, and about adding another chapter to the franchise’s already storied history.
But there’s a flip side to this. If the Dodgers don’t sign Ohtani and another team — particularly a rival like the San Francisco Giants or New York Mets — does, it could be a tough pill to swallow. Watching Ohtani thrive elsewhere, while the Dodgers remain in contention but perhaps fall short again, would only add to the frustration of the past few years.
For Dodgers fans, Ohtani represents more than just a player. He is hope, excitement, and the possibility of a dynasty. Winning without him might be possible, but the emotional and cultural impact of missing out on him could linger.
Conclusion: Winning Isn't Always Enough
Hernández's point is clear: the Dodgers can win without Shohei Ohtani, but they don't want to. Fans and the organization alike dream of what Ohtani could bring to Los Angeles, and anything short of that will feel like a missed opportunity. As the offseason unfolds and Ohtani weighs his options, the stakes have never been higher for the Dodgers.
A World Series win is always the goal, but doing it with Ohtani would be sweeter, more iconic, and something no one — not the fans, the team, or even Ohtani himself — would ever forget.
What do you think? Can the Dodgers win without Ohtani, or is he the missing piece to their next championship? Let us know in the comments below.
---
This blog post provides an in-depth analysis of the Dodgers’ chances of winning the World Series with or without Shohei Ohtani, blending the reality of their strengths with the allure of adding a once-in-a-lifetime player.
0 Comments