The Dodgers’ trade market for Shohei Ohtani will be impacted by two free agents….

**The Dodgers’ Trade Market for Shohei Ohtani Will Be Impacted by Two Free Agents**

As the MLB offseason progresses, the Los Angeles Dodgers find themselves at the center of speculation surrounding one of the biggest storylines in baseball: Shohei Ohtani’s potential move to Los Angeles. The two-way superstar, who has captured the baseball world’s imagination with his remarkable ability to hit and pitch at an elite level, is set to become a free agent following the 2024 season. With Ohtani’s future up in the air, the Dodgers have long been considered one of the most likely suitors for the Japanese sensation, given their financial muscle, championship aspirations, and location in Ohtani’s adopted home of Southern California.

However, the Dodgers’ pursuit of Ohtani may face complications due to the uncertainty surrounding two key free agents—Mookie Betts and Julio Urías. Their futures could significantly impact Los Angeles’ ability to pull off a deal for Ohtani, and how the team navigates these issues will likely dictate its approach to the offseason.

### Mookie Betts: A Possible Contract Extension Looms Large

One of the key variables in the Dodgers’ pursuit of Ohtani is Mookie Betts, their superstar right fielder. Betts, who has been the face of the Dodgers since his trade from the Boston Red Sox in 2020, has one more year left on his contract before he can potentially opt out after the 2025 season. The Dodgers have made it clear that they intend to extend Betts, a cornerstone of their lineup and a crucial part of their championship hopes. However, how the team handles Betts’ contract situation could have serious implications for their financial flexibility in the short term.

Betts, a former MVP and one of the most consistent players in baseball, has expressed his desire to remain with the Dodgers long-term. However, the details of his potential extension are still up in the air, and any negotiations could significantly affect the Dodgers’ ability to allocate resources elsewhere. If the Dodgers extend Betts for a long-term deal, it could eat into their ability to make a competitive offer to Ohtani, who is expected to command a historic contract that could surpass $500 million.

“Having Mookie around for the long haul is a priority, but so is securing the future of this team,” Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman recently stated. “We’re committed to Mookie, and we want to make sure we’re in a position to continue building a championship-caliber roster.”

While Betts’ extension is a likely scenario, it’s clear that the Dodgers will need to carefully manage their payroll and luxury tax thresholds if they want to fit Ohtani into the equation. The financial commitment required to keep Betts could limit the Dodgers’ flexibility to pursue other high-profile players, including Ohtani. However, the Dodgers’ deep pockets and the allure of playing with Ohtani could still make Los Angeles a viable destination for the two-way star.

### Julio Urías: The Pitching Situation

While the Dodgers’ offensive core is led by Betts, the team’s pitching staff is just as crucial to their championship aspirations. One of the most pressing decisions the Dodgers face this offseason revolves around their ace, Julio Urías. The left-hander, who has been a key part of the Dodgers’ pitching rotation for several years, is set to hit free agency after the 2024 season.

Urías has been one of the most consistent and effective pitchers in the MLB over the past several seasons, and his presence in the rotation is critical to the team’s success. However, with a potential bidding war for his services in the offseason, the Dodgers must decide whether to extend Urías or let him test the free-agent market. If the Dodgers lose Urías, they would need to replace him with another top-tier starter to remain competitive.

The uncertainty surrounding Urías’ future is another factor that could impact the Dodgers’ pursuit of Ohtani. Should the Dodgers allocate significant resources to re-sign Urías, it could further limit their financial flexibility to sign Ohtani. Conversely, if the Dodgers choose to move on from Urías and replace him with a less expensive option, they could potentially free up enough money to make a strong play for Ohtani.

“Julio is one of the best pitchers in the game, and we value him tremendously,” Friedman said in a recent interview. “We’re going to explore every option with him. We’ve had conversations, and we know how important he is to our team.”

The combination of Urías’ free agency and Betts’ looming extension could force the Dodgers to prioritize pitching or offense, and that decision will have a ripple effect on their pursuit of Ohtani. Given Ohtani’s unique ability to both pitch and hit, the Dodgers might have to adjust their strategy depending on how they address their pitching staff and how much they are willing to commit to other roster areas.

### Ohtani’s Future: A Major Factor in the Dodgers’ Offseason

Shohei Ohtani’s impact on the trade and free-agent markets has already been seismic. The two-time MVP is expected to command a historic deal, with some estimates suggesting a contract worth up to $600 million. The Dodgers, with their large media market and reputation as big spenders, have been linked to Ohtani for years. However, the combination of Betts’ potential extension and Urías’ free agency complicates their approach.

If the Dodgers can strike a deal with Betts that allows them to remain flexible in the future, and if they manage to retain Urías at a reasonable price, they could be well-positioned to pursue Ohtani. However, if the Dodgers find themselves in a financial bind with Betts or unable to secure Urías’ services, they may have to make difficult choices, potentially putting their Ohtani pursuit in jeopardy.

“Shohei is a once-in-a-generation talent, and we’re always going to be involved in conversations around him,” Friedman said. “But we have a lot of work to do, and there are a lot of factors at play that will determine how we approach the offseason.”

### Conclusion

As the Dodgers’ offseason takes shape, the futures of Mookie Betts and Julio Urías will play pivotal roles in determining whether Los Angeles can land Shohei Ohtani. The interplay of these two key free agents could either pave the way for Ohtani’s arrival or complicate the Dodgers’ pursuit of the two-way phenom. With the financial landscape shifting and championship aspirations hanging in the balance, the Dodgers’ front office faces one of its most important decisions in recent memory. For now, fans are left to watch and wait as the drama unfolds.