In an unexpected move, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts revealed on Tuesday that his team recently met with Japanese free agent Shohei Ohtani at Dodger Stadium. This revelation marks the first disclosure of any details regarding Ohtani's highly anticipated free agency, which has been shrouded in secrecy.

During a media session at the winter meetings, Roberts acknowledged that Ohtani is the Dodgers' top priority. However, he emphasized that Ohtani will ultimately make his own decision based on what is best for himself and where he feels most comfortable.

The Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Angels, Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants, and Toronto Blue Jays are believed to be the finalists in the battle to secure Ohtani's services. Reports have emerged that Ohtani met with the Blue Jays at their spring training facility in Dunedin, Florida, on Monday. Blue Jays manager John Schneider declined to comment on the meeting. Cubs manager Craig Counsell, on the other hand, stated that he personally has not met with Ohtani and downplayed any connection between Ohtani and the team's overall interest.

The Dodgers have long been considered frontrunners in the race for Ohtani's signature, but the Blue Jays have recently emerged as strong contenders. The Dodgers are also actively pursuing two to three additional pitchers for their rotation, including fellow Japanese starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto. As surprising as it may seem, the possibility of signing both Ohtani and Yamamoto is not out of the question for the Dodgers.

Ohtani, who has experienced two torn ulnar collateral ligaments in the past five years, underwent a unique form of Tommy John surgery in September. He is not expected to return to pitching until 2025 and will primarily serve as a designated hitter for the upcoming season. Despite this, Roberts expressed confidence in Ohtani's ability to recover and once again excel as a two-way player.

In 2017, the Dodgers were finalists for Ohtani's services but were hindered by the absence of a designated hitter in the National League. Roberts noted that this year's meeting was different in nature, with Ohtani already having a good understanding of the Dodgers, the city of Los Angeles, and the organization as a whole. The focus was more on familiarizing both parties with each other rather than trying to convince Ohtani of the team's merits.

The meeting lasted approximately two to three hours and did not involve any Dodgers players, according to Roberts. Although it was difficult to gauge Ohtani's true feelings, Roberts found the experience enjoyable and expressed a sense of satisfaction in spending time with the highly sought-after free agent.

Ohtani's free agency has been primarily managed by his agent at CAA, Nez Balelo, his interpreter Ippei Mizuhara, and Ohtani himself, with minimal involvement from others. Interested suitors have been warned that disclosure of meeting details could jeopardize their chances of signing Ohtani. Yet, Roberts appeared unfazed by this and expressed his commitment to honesty, stating that he had no intention of lying about the meeting.

As the deadline for Ohtani's decision approaches, the Dodgers will anxiously await his verdict. Their rich history of success, geographical location, and the potential to maximize Ohtani's unique skills make them an attractive choice. However, the comfort and familiarity of the Angels, the intriguing appeal of Toronto, as well as the financial capabilities of the Giants and Cubs, may also play significant roles in Ohtani's decision-making process.

As more information surfaces regarding Ohtani's meetings with teams, the baseball world eagerly anticipates the outcome of this monumental free agency decision.