Dodgers: Who Helps the Dodgers More? Ohtani or Stanton?

The Dodgers signing Shohei Ohtani would give the Dodgers a bigger boost than if the Dodgers trading for Stanton. Stanton is on track to be one of the most feared power hitters of all time, but the Dodgers found out in game three and seven of the World Series, just how important it is to have a solid playoff rotation.  If the Dodgers had the services of Ohtani in games three or seven, then the Dodgers would have gotten different results.

Ohtani would also help the Dodgers get under the luxury tax threshold.  While Ohtani should make big bucks down the road if he signs another major league deal,  he will only make 300k from the amount of money the Dodgers can offer him.  While the Dodgers could end up with more questions than answers in regards to left field, they have enough players with potential that one of them should breakout and become the ideal platoon partner for Kike Hernandez.

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If Ohtani’s bat does transition well in the US, he will give the Dodgers a valuable weapon off the bench, especially since the Dodgers could use him as a pinch hitter and save their main pinch hitters for more important situations later in the game.  The Dodgers may even show the reluctance to play Ohtani once or twice a week.  The floor would be a decent pinch-hitting option while the ceiling for Ohtani’s bat would be a dangerous weapon off the bench or in double switches later in games.

The main purpose of signing Ohtani would be the front office signaling that their starting pitching is more about quantity than quality.  The Dodgers could run out all ten or more of their starting pitchers, but none of them are going to be trustworthy when the playoffs roll around.  Given that the Dodgers have a bigger need for another number two starter, Ohtani would be a better pickup than Stanton.  Ohtani would help the Dodgers continue to hoard young talent while slowly lowering the payroll until it’s at a point where they can once again sign stars in addition to their young core.

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