1 move every NL West team could make that would hurt the San Diego Padres

The Los Angeles Dodgers signing Shohei Ohtani would hurt the San Diego Padres

It's been rumored all year long and feels like it's only a matter of time before it'll happen. We hear random rumors about certain teams joining the Dodgers in the pursuit of Shohei Ohtani, but Los Angeles is the one constant in the Ohtani chase. There's every reason to believe Ohtani to the Dodgers will be happening.

The Dodgers might not have won anything in a 162-game season in a very long time, but they're still consistently in the playoffs. Additionally, they provide Ohtani the location he reportedly prefers, as well as the ability to make as much as possible financially. The Dodgers have been saving up to make this happen, and Ohtani could be the piece that puts them over the top.

The Padres would catch a bit of a break with Ohtani not being able to pitch in 2024, but his bat alone can do some serious damage. He was one of, if not the best hitter in baseball this past season and will seemingly only be better offensively when he doesn't have to focus on pitching.

There isn't really much to say about this. It's fairly obvious that the Dodgers signing the best player in the game and maybe the best player we've ever seen would be bad news for the Padres. It makes a team that is consistently in the playoffs just that much better.