Shohei Ohtani (Batter)

Shohei Ohtani went 2-for-4 in the win over the Nationals, driving in five runs with a home run, a triple, and scoring three times.

Fantasy Impact

Ohtani has been effective at the plate recently, recording hits in three of his last four games, along with three walks and six RBI. Following the victory, his season totals stand at a .288 batting average, 49 RBI, and 26 home runs through 77 games.

Shohei Ohtani is expected to throw his first bullpen session since February 25 on Saturday.

Fantasy Impact

Ohtani will open the season as the Los Angeles Dodgers' designated hitter, with the goal of returning to the mound at some point this year. A clearer timeline should emerge as he continues building up his workload.

Shohei Ohtani posted on Instagram that he is signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and MLB insider Jeff Passan reports the deal is for 10 years, $700 million.

Fantasy Impact

Ohtani had perhaps the most unique free agency of any player in MLB history: it was shrouded in mystery due to his camp's strict guidelines for secrecy from MLB teams, and Ohtani is one of the best pitchers AND one of the best hitters on the planet but won't be able to pitch in 2024 as he recovers from Tommy John surgery. His $700 million contract shatters the MLB record and will almost certainly come with heavily deferred amounts, but that doesn't matter to fantasy managers. With the Dodgers, Ohtani will be on what should be a competitive team for much of the next decade while hitting in a hitter-friendly ballpark. He was already an elite (for lack of a better term) fantasy contributor on bad Angels teams for the last several years, and his value only goes up now that he'll play for a competitor with a good lineup around him.

Shohei Ohtani is reportedly expected to decide on his free-agent destination before the end of the weekend.

Fantasy Impact

Once Ohtani makes his decision, that should lead to a domino effect of a number of other free agent moves and trades happening. He continues to be most closely linked to the Dodgers, Angels, Blue Jays and Giants according to reports.

Dave Roberts said the Dodgers met with Shohei Ohtani in LA a couple of days ago and added that Shohei is their top priority.

Fantasy Impact

The Dodgers have been considered the front-runner for the majority of the offseason for Ohtani, though other teams remain in the mix. The Blue Jays, Angels and Giants remain rumored to be in the mix alongside the Dodgers.