Shohei Ohtani rumors: 4 teams that could trade for him if Angels drop

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Apr 18, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; New York Mets catcher Tomas Nido (3) looks on as Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder J.D. Martinez (28) is greeted by first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) after hitting a two run home run in the first inning against the New York Mets at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

4 teams that could trade for Shohei Ohtani this summer if the Angels fall out of contention

2. Los Angeles Dodgers

Now I know what you might be thinking: yes, the Dodgers can (and likely will) wait until the winter and just sign Shohei Ohtani as a free agent. They’ve been mentioned as one of the early front-runners for his services.

But Los Angeles isn’t about to punt away a season, either.

Sure, the Dodgers made modest upgrades last off-season, bringing in names like Noah Syndergaard and J.D. Martinez, but they are still expected to be a contender in the NL this year despite getting off to a slow start. The good news? So has their main competition in San Diego.

Andrew Friedman knows an opportunity when he sees one, and if the Padres somehow continue to fly below their expectations, the Dodgers could swoop in and close the gap by getting a head start on a long-term Ohtani pursuit.

Like the Rays, Los Angeles also maintains strong depth in their farm system, which could make them a good trade partner for the Angels despite sharing a market with Anaheim.

The Dodgers are the kind of team that usually finds themselves a piece or two away, and if that piece is Shohei Ohtani, that could push them over the top.

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