6 biggest threats to Dodgers in Shohei Ohtani free agency race

The Giants may be desperate to sign Ohtani

After falling on their faces in the second half of 2023, the Giants are in a tough spot going into 2024. Their roster isn't exciting whatsoever, they just fired manager Gabe Kapler (but stole Bob Melvin away from the Padres to replace him), and they can't seem to attract the big-time free agents that could potentially put them over the top. Sure, they could have signed Correa, but it seems like they may have dodged a bullet there.

By all accounts, it sounds like Farhan Zaidi and Co. are looking to swing big this offseason yet again. They have already been connected to stud Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who isn't going to come cheap, and are also heavily rumored to be willing to make a strong play for Ohtani. Being a west coast team amplifies the marketing advantages of signing Ohtani, and San Fran needs star power on both sides of the ball. They would have to wait a year for Ohtani to take the mound, but he's pretty much everything they need in a single package.

The Red Sox are connected to Ohtani and need to make a big splash

The Red Sox are a team that is in transition, which could complicate any push to go after Ohtani. They only introduced their new front office lead, Craig Breslow, just recently, and he's going to need some time to get his feet under him and decide how he wants to approach this offseason. However, not only is Boston a big market team that could afford the MVP, but he's a fit in Boston on a number of levels.

Ohtani has already been linked with the Red Sox due to their need for a quality DH and frontline starting pitcher. There's also the fact he already has an endorsement deal with New Balance, which is based in the area. Boston has plenty of room available under the luxury tax for 2024 as things stand right now, but the Red Sox's ownership and their willingness to pony up that kind of money is the real unknown at the moment.