Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (elbow) is planning to take live batting practice at spring training on Monday. Ohtani was initially scheduled to take live BP on Sunday, but Ohtani pushed it back a day. It will be the first time that the 29-year-old Japanese superstar will face live pitching since having his second Tommy John surgery in September. Ohtani is expected to be ready to kick off his first season in LA against the San Diego Padres in the two-game Korean series in late March. Even though he won't be available to fantasy managers as a pitcher in 2024, Ohtani, who has been the American League MVP in two of the last three seasons, will be a top-15 hitter in fantasy after leading the league in homers (44), on-base percentage (.412), slugging percentage (.654), OPS (1.066) and total bases (325) in 2023 with the Angels.

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (elbow), who was scheduled to face live pitching for the first time since his offseason elbow surgery, will not take batting practice on Sunday. This was obviously an anticipated batting practice session, considering the star power of Ohtani, but manager Dave Roberts told reporters that the schedule change has nothing to do with the superstar's health. Roberts added that he wants Ohtani to chart his own schedule. It shouldn't be a surprise if Ohtani started taking swings against live pitching as early as Monday. The fact that the two-way star won't be pitching this season certainly puts a damper on his overall fantasy prospects, but he should still be able to return high-end value as offensive player hitting in the middle of a loaded Dodgers lineup.

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (elbow) is on the scheduled to face live pitching against left-hander Alex Vesia at spring training on Friday. Manager Dave Roberts said on Thursday that Ohtani would start facing live pitching at camp "soon," and he wasn't lying. It's another encouraging sign that Ohtani will be ready for Opening Day in his first year in LA after undergoing his second Tommy John surgery last year. The Japanese superstar isn't going to pitch for the Dodgers in 2024, but he'll be their full-time DH and is considered a top-15 overall fantasy player by RotoBaller. There's a chance Ohtani might not fully be himself at the plate early on this year, but that really shouldn't influence drafters when deciding whether to add him to your team in the early rounds.

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts didn't give an exact timeline, but he said that designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (elbow) will take part in live batting practice "soon." The skipper also added that it is going to be hard to eventually keep Ohtani out of Cactus League games. The 29-year-old two-way superstar isn't going to pitch in his first year with the Dodgers following his second Tommy John surgery, but he's coming along nicely as a hitter, has already been hitting on the field and should be completely ready to go as the team's regular DH once the 2024 regular season kicks off. Even though Ohtani might not be at full strength as a hitter early on, RotoBaller still has him ranked as the No. 13 overall player this spring.

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (elbow), who has been rehabbing from elbow surgery, said he's "very confident" that he'll be ready to serve as the team's DH when they open their season in South Korea on March 20 against the division-rival San Diego Padres. On Saturday, manager Dave Roberts said outfielder Mookie Betts will lead off, first baseman Freddie Freeman will hit second, and Ohtani would hit third to open the 2024 season. Ohtani, LA's $700 million free-agent pickup this winter, has been taking flips and hitting off a tee and is expected to hit on the field on Monday for the first time since undergoing surgery last year. The 29-year-old lefty slugger will start hitting off velocity shortly after he reports to sprint training next week. Ohtani's throwing program is mostly undetermined, but he said he's "right on schedule" with his hitting progression.

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (elbow) said he feels like a rookie again in Dodgers camp and feels like he's healthy and ready to start spring training as a hitter after having elbow surgery last year. The 29-year-old Japanese All-Star also said he's swinging the bat at 100 percent effort. The next step for Ohtani will be to face live pitching at spring training, which will come in time. The Dodgers are going to be extremely careful with their prized free-agent acquisition this spring, but he should be fully ready to go for Opening Day in 2024 as LA's primary designated hitter. He won't pitch at all this year after having right-elbow surgery, but Ohtani's bat will be extremely valuable in all fantasy leagues in a much better lineup with the Dodgers.

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (elbow) wouldn't confirm whether he had a second Tommy John surgery, but he did say his second elbow procedure this September "was completely different" from the first Tommy John he had on his right arm in 2018. Either way, Ohtani is not expected to be available at all as a pitcher in his first year in LA after signing a record-breaking 10-year, $700 million deal with the Dodgers last weekend. The two-time MVP and Japanese star will serve as the Dodgers' primary designated hitter in 2024 after leading the league last season in home runs (44), on-base percentage (.412), slugging percentage (.654), OPS 1.066 and total bases (325) in 135 games with the Los Angeles Angels. When he returns as a starting pitcher in 2025, he'll also have high-end pitching upside for fantasy managers.

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani can opt out of his 10-year, $700 million deal with the Dodgers if either controlling owner Mark Walter or president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman are no longer with the team, according to a person familiar with the record-breaking deal. Ohtani's deal also provides that 97% of the money be deferred without interest and not fully paid until 2043. His contract calls for annual salaries of $70 million and of each year's salary, $68 million is deferred with no interest, payable in equal installments each July 1 from 2034-43. The 29-year-old Japanese star was the American League's MVP in two of the last three years and gives the Dodgers already stacked lineup even more star power in 2024 and beyond, although he won't be pitching at all next season after having right-elbow surgery.

A trio of Los Angeles Dodgers superstars attended a meeting with free-agent pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto on Tuesday at Dodger Stadium, as Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Mookie Betts all were part of the discussion. Of course, Ohtani's presence is the key, as he is a countryman of Yamamoto's and a teammate of his in March's World Baseball Classic championship with Team Japan. The right-hander and Ohtani have dominated the rumor mill this offseason, and there are reportedly plenty of clubs pursuing Yamamoto's services on the open market. A two-time NPB MVP, Yamamoto, 25, worked to a dominant 1.21 ERA across 23 outings with the Orix Buffaloes last season.

The Los Angeles Dodgers officially announced their 10-year, $700 million deal with two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (elbow) on Monday. According to MLB's Mark Feinsand, Ohtani will be deferring $68 million of his $70 million average salary over the life of the contract. The $680 million in deferrals will begin in 2034 and carry through 2043. By structuring the deal in such a manner, the Dodgers will have more short-term financial flexibility while easing their burden relative to the Competitive Balance Tax (CBT). The fantasy superstar will be joining top-tier players such as Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, but the additional financial flexibility could enable the Dodgers to bring in even more talent before the end of the offseason.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have signed free agent two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (elbow) to a 10-year, $700 million contract on Saturday. Ohtani's deal is the largest in MLB history and includes no opt-outs. The 29-year-old underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow in September and will not pitch during the 2024 season. Ohtani will be the Dodgers' primary designated hitter after slashing .304/.412/.654 with 44 home runs, 95 RBI, 102 runs scored, and 20 stolen bases over 594 plate appearances for the Angels in 2023. Ohtani also posted a (10-5) record with a 3.14 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, and a 167:55 K: BB across 132 innings. He will hit in the heart of the order for a loaded Dodgers lineup that includes Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman. Ohtani becomes arguably the Dodgers' best offensive weapon and is a surefire first-round pick in upcoming 2024 fantasy baseball drafts.

Contrary to an earlier report on Friday, free-agent two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani was not on a plane that landed in Toronto that many assumed he was on. It's been a whirlwind day for Ohtani news, and this is yet another conflicting report with what had been released earlier in the day. As of right now, nothing is official in the Ohtani sweepstakes and he remains unsigned, despite reports that he was expected to make a decision on his next team by Friday. The Los Angeles Dodgers have been the favorites to land the two-time MVP all offseason, but the Blue Jays could be going strong for the generational talent after losing out on Juan Soto this week. Stay tuned.

Free-agent designated hitter/pitcher Shohei Ohtani is reportedly set to sign with the Toronto Blue Jays. The most coveted free agent in baseball history is likely headed north of the border with a $500 million contract, or more, certainly in play. The two-way phenom underwent another procedure on his UCL in September, which will prevent him from pitching at all in the 2024 season. He also underwent Tommy John surgery in 2018, which kept him off the mound the following season. The right-hander worked to a stellar 3.14 ERA across 23 starts before going down to injury and also slugged 44 home runs alongside a .304 average and 20 stolen bases across 599 trips to the plate, cruising to his second AL MVP award in the process in the 2023 campaign.

Free-agent two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani's decision on his next team is imminent, and it's possible he signs as early as Friday, according to a source. There have been a handful of teams that have been connected to Ohtani this offseason, and the Japanese superstar reportedly met with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays. The Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Angels and Atlanta Braves were mentioned as suitors as well, but the Dodgers are the overwhelming favorites due to their location and perennial winning tradition. Wherever the 29-year-old two-time MVP goes, he's expected to land a record-breaking contract worth over $600 million, even though he won't be able to pitch at all in 2024 following right-elbow surgery.

The Los Angeles Dodgers met with two-way superstar free agent Shohei Ohtani at Dodger Stadium "a couple days ago," according to manager Dave Roberts. The skipper said the meeting went well. Because of Ohtani's preferences to play for a perennial contender and to stay on the west coast, the Dodgers have been considered the favorites to land the Japanese star since he became a free agent. Reports suggest that the 29-year-old left-handed slugger and right-handed pitcher is expected to make his decision on a team this week, with the Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays, Los Angeles Angels and San Francisco Giants being the most likely landing spots. The generational talent is expected to receive a record-breaking contract over $500 million despite the fact he won't be able to pitch at all in 2024 after having right-elbow surgery.

The Chicago Cubs' optimism of being able to sign two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani in free agency has significantly waned this week, according to a high-ranking executive. It leaves the Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays, Los Angeles Angels and San Francisco Giants as the likely finalists for the Japanese star's services this winter. Playing for a perennial contender is Ohtani's biggest requirement, and he's also believed to be partial to staying on the west coast, which makes the Dodgers the clear favorites. The 29-year-old reportedly met with the Blue Jays on Monday, and the Angels and Atlanta Braves could be sleepers in the sweepstakes. Ohtani is expected to make his decision soon, possibly as early as this week during the winter meetings.

The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reported Monday that it is believed that free-agent superstar Shohei Ohtani met with Toronto Blue Jays club officials at the team's spring training complex in Dunedin, Florida. While an official timetable for Ohtani's signing decision is unknown, previous reporting suggested that he was expected to make a decision within the week. While the Los Angeles Dodgers were originally considered the front-runner to sign Ohtani, it seems as though the Blue Jays have emerged as a serious contender. While Ohtani will remain a top fantasy option regardless of where he plays, both teams offer a strong surrounding lineup.

MLB Network's Jon Morosi doesn't think the Atlanta Braves are getting enough attention in the sweepstakes for two-way superstar free-agent Shohei Ohtani. The Braves have had some talks with Ohtani's camp, according to sources, and he has not ruled them out as he seeks his next team on the open market. Because of the Braves' winning tradition, they have appeal to the Japanese star and are in the running along with clubs like the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs and Toronto Blue Jays. Having this year's MVPs Ohtani and Ronald Acuna Jr. on the same team for years to come would be an amazing victory for Atlanta, but it's probably more of a long shot, especially after Atlanta just traded for outfielder Jarred Kelenic on Sunday night.

The Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes could be reportedly coming to an end soon. Recent reports are saying that the two-way superstar is expected to make his decision on a team within the next week. As of right now, the Dodgers, Cubs, Blue Jays, and Angels are the teams in the mix for Ohtani. However, it sounds like the San Francisco Giants could be a possible team as well, but the Mets and Rangers pulled out of the running. The 29-year-old is expected to get a deal over $500 million, so his signing will likely have significant ramifications on the rest of the free agent market.

The number of suitors for free-agent two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani has winnowed, according to sources. The Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox and New York Mets have turned their attention to other players. Among those confirmed by sources to still be in the bidding include the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Angels. The San Francisco Giants are also fond of Ohtani, but it's unknown where they stand in the sweepstakes. The fact that Ohtani had reconstructive elbow surgery that will keep him from pitching in 2024 has done nothing to put a damper on his free-agent value this winter. The two-time American League MVP could receive a record-breaking contract for at least $550 million this offseason.