New York Dodgers Withdraw Offer to Shohei Ohtani, Confirm Commitment to New York Yankees
May 20, 2025 | New York, NY — In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through Major League Baseball, the New York Dodgers have officially announced the withdrawal of their high-profile offer to two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani, citing organizational realignment and reaffirming their full commitment to supporting the New York Yankees’ ongoing partnership with the Japanese phenom.
The Dodgers’ decision, disclosed in a press release early Monday morning, comes just months after intense speculation that Ohtani might be lured to the East Coast franchise with a record-breaking offer. Insiders had hinted at a multi-year deal in the $700 million range, designed to rival the historic contract Ohtani signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers in December 2023.
However, the New York Dodgers — the newly relocated and rebranded MLB franchise formerly known as the Tampa Bay Rays — emphasized their strategic realignment efforts as the driving force behind the withdrawal.
“After extensive internal discussions and careful evaluation of our organizational priorities, we have decided to withdraw our offer to Shohei Ohtani,” said team president Jonathan Morales. “We remain committed to building a sustainable, championship-caliber franchise here in New York, and our resources will be focused on long-term development and partnerships aligned with that vision.”
The announcement coincided with a parallel statement from the New York Yankees, confirming that Shohei Ohtani remains firmly committed to his off-field collaborations with the Bronx Bombers. While Ohtani continues to play for the Los Angeles Dodgers, he has formed a unique cross-promotional partnership with the Yankees organization, including sponsorship ventures, training initiatives, and youth development programs.
“Shohei Ohtani is an icon of the sport, and we’re honored to continue working with him on several key initiatives that support baseball’s growth and future,” Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman said in a statement. “We respect the New York Dodgers’ decision and look forward to a healthy rivalry on and off the field.”
The Dodgers’ pivot away from pursuing Ohtani has led to a mixture of surprise and speculation among fans and analysts alike. Many had expected a bold bid from the newly minted franchise as a way to assert themselves in the competitive New York sports market. However, sources close to the organization suggest the front office is now focused on rebuilding its farm system, expanding its stadium development plans in Brooklyn, and investing in regional player scouting.
Ohtani, for his part, has not commented directly on the news, but his agent Nez Balelo issued a brief statement affirming the player’s satisfaction with his current trajectory.
“Shohei remains fully committed to his team and his fans. We appreciate the interest from the New York Dodgers and wish them well as they establish their new identity.”
As the MLB season intensifies, all eyes will remain on Ohtani, whose unprecedented talent continues to redefine the modern game. Meanwhile, the New York Dodgers will look to establish their own legacy in a city already rich in baseball tradition — without the league’s most electric star at their side.
