Dodgers Notes: Another Major Surgery, Shohei Ohtani’s Gift to Coach, Walker Buehler to Padres?

The Los Angeles Dodgers announced on Thursday that World Series MVP Freddie Freeman underwent surgery on his right ankle consisting of debridement and the removal of loose bodies. They provided a timeline for his return next season.

Additionally, former Dodgers coach Clayton McCullough revealed an incredible gift Shohei Ohtani gave to him before he joined the Miami Marlins as the team’s next manager.

And finally, rumors have started to circulate about Walker Buehler’s next team in 2025. Could he join the division-rival San Diego Padres?

Dodgers Notes: Another Major Surgery, Shohei Ohtani's Gift to Coach, Walker Buehler to Padres? | Dodgers Nation

Here’s all the latest Dodgers news and stories (click the headline for the full article):

Freddie Freeman Underwent Major Surgery, Dodgers Reveal Timeline for Return

Shohei Ohtani Gave Gift to Clayton McCullough Before He Left Dodgers for Marlins

Dodgers’ Walker Buehler to the Padres? One MLB Insider Thinks It’s Possible

Dodgers notes: Shohei Ohtani, Teoscar Hernández, Roki Sasaki

The Dodgers signing of Shohei Ohtani became a turning point in their franchise’s history, immediately paying off dividends in the process.

It began with the Dodgers rallying their way through injuries and underperformance to a World Series win over the Yankees, with the Dodgers’ globally recognized superstar finishing the year with his third career MVP award. With $680 million being deferred from Ohtani’s $700 million contract, the Dodgers were not only able to spend big money in free agency last offseason, but this offseason as well, indicated by the Blake Snell signing.

Ohtani on his shoulder injury and possible surgery | Marca

Bob Nightengale of USA Today writes about not only the financial impact Ohtani has made for both the Dodgers and for the future of Major League Baseball, but for the impact he’s made on a global level.

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As it currently stands, the Dodgers’ outfield options on the 40-man roster include Tommy Edman, James Outman, Andy Pages, and Chris Taylor. If the Dodgers are unable to secure a long-term deal with a free agent outfielder, could they look to Ohtani to supplement their outfield depth?

Michael Baumann of FanGraphs suggests a case for Ohtani to play in center field despite the fact that he will be returning to the mound for the 2025 season.

The Dodgers and free agent outfielder Teoscar Hernández are reportedly nailing in the final details of a new contract, per David Vassegh of KLAC AM 570.

Shohei Ohtani milestone can't save Dodgers in loss to Padres - Los Angeles Times

“My understanding talking to people around the league, they expect Teoscar Hernández to re-sign with the Dodgers… The Dodgers and Teoscar Hernández are very much engaged trying to nail the final details of a contract.”

Buster Olney of ESPN writes about the latest intel surrounding the current status of free agency, most importantly revealing a very intriguing detail surrounding Japanese star Roki Sasaki.

But there is widespread industry belief — correct or not — that Sasaki has probably already picked a team, and it’s most likely the Dodgers. All of these clubs will go through the process, however, and at the end, a lot of execs are going to complain that it was a waste of their time.