The Dodgers made waves by securing Japanese sensations Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, along with trading for right-handed pitcher Tyler Glasnow, while the other 29 MLB teams seemed to be mere spectators from the dugout.
Outfielder Mookie Betts has a straightforward message for the 29 other fan bases watching – “I don’t know what you want us to do.”
Addressing the astonishment surrounding the Dodgers’ bold moves, Betts, in an interview on AM 570 L.A. Sports, emphasized the team’s intent to leverage their resources. “When you’re blessed with an ability, why would you not use that?” Betts provocatively questioned.
The Dodgers’ signing of Ohtani marked a historic milestone, a record-breaking 10-year, $700 million contract, now etched in MLB history as one of the most lucrative deals. Los Angeles has shattered the $1 billion mark in free agency spending this winter, surpassing the combined expenditures of the other 29 MLB teams.
“Y’all tell us what you want us to do,” Betts challenged other fan bases. “You want us to not try to win? Well, that’s the whole point of the game, right?”
Unapologetic for their aggressive pursuit of talent, Betts added, “If we said, Sorry for trying guys. We won’t do that again. That doesn’t make sense.”
While the Dodgers may have assumed the role of potential villains in the upcoming 2024 season, Betts emphasized that every team had the opportunity to make significant moves during the offseason, yet only a handful chose to do so.
As the offseason unfolds, notable players like outfielder Cody Bellinger, infielder Matt Chapman, and pitchers Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery remain in the open market.
Betts subtly suggests that other teams still have the chance to make impactful moves and reshape the narrative of the upcoming MLB season.
