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Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout Reunion: Andrew Friedman and Brandon Gomes, the Architects Behind the Dodgers’ Potential Masterplan

Published 11/20/2023, 2:08 AM EST

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The next MLB season is months away. But all teams have started preparing for it and are utilizing the off-season to make a stronger squad for the future. This includes the 2023 NL West champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers. Notably, the 2020 World Series winners became the first team to make the playoffs but shockingly lost the NLDS to move out of the World Series race. And now they want to make amends for a better end to the 2024 season.

The Dodgers’ executive Andrew Friedman and GM Brandon Gomes have understood the demand. They plan to fulfill it by trying to sign some expensive names – Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani. Given their vast experience, this groundbreaking move looks possible. However, will the Los Angeles Angels allow this?

Los Angeles Dodgers Become New Favorites for Troutani

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It was another strong start but a poor finish for the Los Angeles Angels. The AL West team finished fourth in the division and missed the playoffs for another season. Given that it happened with two-star players on their roster, questions followed. It includes the prominent one: Will Shohei Ohtani move away from Los Angeles for his first World Series?

Although the possibility of Ohtani re-signing with the Angels can not be denied, reports suggest signing elsewhere, with the Dodgers leading the charge. With this, the prospect of ending one of the cherished partnerships commonly referred to as “Troutani” has increased. However, it seems that’s not the case. The reason behind this is a master plan from the Los Angeles Dodgers to keep two former partners together.

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The Dodgers have stormed the market with the possibility of signing Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani. Given that the two are among the most prized players in this era, the move is intriguing. However, Andrew Friedman and Brandon Gomes do not think so.

According to Hector Gomez, both the Dodgers executives have tricks up their sleeves to acquire the Los Angeles stars, even at the cost of their top prospects. However, it seems another big plan in the free agency, like many floated in the past. But this time, it could be different. Is it due to Friedman and Gomes’s familiarity with the market or experience, or maybe both?

Andrew Friedman and Brandon Gomes: Know the Duo Behind This Master Plan

Notably, Friedman and Gomes are not new to the system. Both have worked for years with the Dodgers and have risen to prominence with their impressive behind-the-scenes work. Friedman joined the Los Angeles-based club in 2015 after a successful stint with the Rays. He has been a key decision-maker. The Dodgers’s 2020 World Series win, three pennants, and seven division titles reflect that. Moreover, the signings of Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman under Friedman add to the resolve and continuous effort for success.

Furthermore, Brandon Gomes has used his experience as a Major League pitcher with the Rays, ultimately assisting Friedman, and creating a strong relationship in the front office. However, it was a humble start for him, having joined as a pitching performance coordinator in 2017 and director of player development in 2018.

Gomes then got promoted to the post of assistant GM and ultimately took the role of general manager in 2022. Under his guidance, the Dodgers ranked first in ERA and WHIP for the three straight years. And it seems he is not done and wants to improve these stats further for both the offense and defense with new signings. But it won’t be an easy task with the 11-time All-Star not showing any signings and the two-way phenom not hinting at anything. But what makes the Dodgers think these deals will go through?

What Makes This Move a Possibility: Familiarity With the City, a Strong Squad, and a Great Future Vision

Both Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout consistently rank among the best players in MLB. However, it’s their partnership that has remained the highlight. Record-breaking comes naturally to both, especially as a pair of home run-hitting teammates.

READ MORE – LA Angels Officially Ruined All-Time Greats Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout

Although many teams are in line to pursue the possibility of Ohtani and Trout, the Dodgers have an edge. All because of a team setup filled with stars, a strong vision with the front office in sync, and their recent success backing it. Plus, the familiarity of Los Angeles adds to the case. But will the Angels allow this reunion?

Los Angeles Angels to Stop Trout From Going Anywhere

The Angels have not made it to the playoffs for almost a decade. However, with the signing of Ron Washington, they are looking to change it. But for it to turn into success, the Angels need to keep their core intact for the next season. And for this, they are averting all the possibilities of off-season signing of core players from other teams.

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The latest update on Mike Trout also reflects that. Notably, amidst all the reports of the Dodgers going for Mike Trout, the Angels have denied the possibility of his trade. The manager, GM Perry Minasian, has come forward to deny any possibility of his transfer.

Read More:- Top MLB Insider Speaks on Shohei Ohtani’s Press Conference Cancellation, Shares Free Agency Thoughts Amidst Growing $500M Mystery.

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But with Andrew Friedman and Brandon Gomes looking confident, anything can happen this winter. If this plan goes well, the world will witness the magic of Troutani again.

Watch This Story: Young Shohei Ohtani’s Journey To Elite Hitting Proving His Little League Coach Wrong

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Written by:

Saurabh Saini

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One take at a time

"Everything happens for a reason." Surprisingly, it has held true for my career in sports. I've cherished sports since my teenage years, and my passion has guided me through the journey of sports journalism, a venture that began years ago.
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Edited by:

Arunima Bhanot