The Dodgers are dealing with a new challenge this season now that Shohei Ohtani is on the team: Overflowing media.
Not only was DodgerFest filled to the brim with reporters, but the first two days of Dodgers spring training has been packed with media, both from Japan and America.
Ohtani spoke to reporters at Camelback Ranch on Friday , and it was quite the spectacle. It's clear, though, that Ohtani will not be speaking to reporters every day, but fortunately, that's something that Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is used to.
When Roberts played alongside Barry Bonds, he said he assumed the role of unofficial team spokesman since Bonds didn't speak to reporters every day. So who will fill that role on the Dodgers?
Roberts chose veteran outfielder Jason Heyward.
Heyward re-signed with the Dodgers on a one-year deal this offseason after joining on a minor league deal last year and revitalizing his career.
In 2023, he slashed .269/.340/.473 with 15 home runs and 40 runs batted in across 124 games.
He earned himself a nice payday this offseason, and got it from Los Angeles. He called it a privilege to be back with the team this year.
Heyward already assumed the role of one of the clubhouse leaders last year, so he likely won't mind doing a little extra media work to help out his new superstar teammate this year.
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