Yankees fans are already dreaming of Shohei Ohtani stepping up to the plate in pinstripes come 2027, especially with Giancarlo Stanton’s ongoing injury nightmare. But those dreams are likely to stay just that, because reports are crystal clear: the Los Angeles Dodgers are almost certainly not getting sold, effectively slamming shut Ohtani’s contract opt-out and crushing any New York hopes.
The Contract Twist That Keeps Ohtani Locked In
So, here’s the wild card in Ohtani’s monster deal: it includes a special clause where he can bail out if Dodgers owner Mark Walter decides to sell the club. Sounds like a golden ticket for a team like the Yankees, right? A potential opening to snag the biggest superstar in baseball? Hold up, not so fast. The Athletic recently dropped a report that pretty much says a Dodgers sale is super, super unlikely. And if that’s the case, then Ohtani is probably staying put with the Dodgers for the long haul.
Think about it: Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer didn’t mince words, calling any move for Ohtani by the Yankees an “extreme long shot.” That’s a major red flag for Yankees faithful. While Walter *did* agree to sell the Los Angeles Lakers, and everyone in the sports world immediately started wondering if that could somehow affect his Dodgers ownership outlook, it appears for now he’s absolutely holding onto the baseball club. No sale, no opt-out, no Ohtani in New York. That’s the cold, hard truth.
Stanton’s Struggles And The All-In Vision
So, why are the Yankees even bothering with this pipe dream? Why chase something that’s an “extreme long shot”? Look no further than Giancarlo Stanton. The guy’s 36 years old, and get this: he just strained his left calf. What makes it worse? It happened *while he was rehabbing from calf strains in his other leg*. That’s just brutal luck and a huge red flag for his future availability. It means he could be sidelined for the remainder of the season. If New York’s front office wants a full-time Designated Hitter powerhouse in 2027, they’re not just looking; they’re probably feeling pretty desperate for a reliable bat.
Rymer absolutely nailed it when he emphasized the stakes, saying, “Still, if there’s a one-in-a-million chance of the Yankees having a shot at Ohtani, neither Heaven nor Earth should stand in their way at acquiring the best player baseball has ever known.” That’s how much impact a player like Ohtani brings to the table, even if the odds are stacked against you like crazy. Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman definitely knows this Ohtani dream is a long shot. You can bet he’s already looking at a whole bunch of other options. You just can’t put all your eggs in a basket that’s got a giant “super unlikely” sticker slapped right on it, especially when your current slugger is consistently battling injuries.
So, while the idea of Shohei Ohtani stepping up to the plate in pinstripes sparks all kinds of excitement for New York fans, it’s looking like the Yankees will unfortunately have to dig deep and find another solution at DH for 2027. Their front office has some serious work ahead figuring out how to replace a potentially absent Stanton, and it certainly won’t be with baseball’s best player unless something truly wild and unexpected happens with the Dodgers’ ownership situation. That’s the reality check, plain and simple.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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