The Arizona Diamondbacks shocked everyone this past season, making it all the way to the World Series after battling through an uber-competitive National League to do so. Most expect them to have a harder time repeating this in 2024 after the Dodgers signing of Shohei Ohtani. But Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick doesn’t see it that way.
The signing of Ohtani for the Dodgers immediately vaults them up the power rankings heading into the 2024 season. A lineup of Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman amongst others certainly feels like a force to be reckoned with on paper.
Kendrick however isn’t ready to anoint the Dodgers just yet, downplaying the signing while talking to reporters on Wednesday.
“As I have said, he’s a great player,” Kendrick admitted. “I actually think it’s good for us that we get to compete against him. But the last I looked, he is one of nine. And the last I also looked, he is a designated hitter. He’s a great player. Is he the second coming? I would suggest not. Would you like to have a player of that talent on your team? Of course, anyone would. We’ll have fun competing against him.”
“Last I looked, he’s one of nine. And the last I also looked, he’s a designated hitter. He’s a great player. Is he the second coming? I would suggest not.” -Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick on Shohei Ohtani pic.twitter.com/Yl7tfqPIM7
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) December 14, 2023
Kendrick does raise a good point. Before we prematurely give the Dodgers the 2024 World Series title, we have to acknowledge that Ohtani is just one player in a sport where every player’s impact matters.
He will also only be hitting this coming season, as reports suggest that he won’t be able to pitch until at least the 2025 season after injuring his throwing elbow last year.
Should any other part of the Dodgers crumble such as their starting rotation of their bullpen, they can just as easily come up short of the high expectations that they now have.
That being said, bringing in a player like Ohtani obviously raises the ceiling of any team. And for anyone to think otherwise would be absolutely foolish.
