Did American media report that the Dodgers deliberately targeted the former Padres closer who hit Shohei Ohtani?

With MLB now in the offseason, clubs are looking to bolster their rosters for the upcoming year. Robert Suarez, the National League’s leading reliever from the San Diego Padres, rejected a two-year, $16 million option to enter free agency. The Los Angeles Dodgers, fresh off consecutive titles, are prioritizing bullpen upgrades, and there is speculation that they are highly interested in acquiring Suarez.

Suarez appeared in 70 games this season, recording a 4-6 win-loss record with a 2.97 ERA, securing 40 saves, and holding opponents to a batting average of just .189. His decision to decline the two-year, $16 million option drew attention, but what left a deeper impression on fans was the June 19 game between the Dodgers and Padres. In the bottom of the ninth, Shohei Ohtani was seemingly hit in the back by a 99.8 mph (approximately 160.6 km/h) fastball from Suarez, nearly sparking a major on-field brawl.

Suarez was suspended due to the hit-by-pitch incident. When asked about it, Ohtani said, “That’s in the past, I’ve completely forgotten about it.” However, according to reports by Dodgers beat reporters Fabian Ardaya and Katie Woo from The Athletic, the Dodgers have targeted Suarez to strengthen their bullpen and are aiming to sign him to a lucrative short-term deal. If Suarez ultimately joins their divisional rival Dodgers, it will surely spark widespread discussion.

Besides Suarez, the report also mentioned Tampa Bay Rays closer Pete Fairbanks and New York Mets closer Edwin Díaz. Fairbanks’ contract is expected to be less than Suarez’s, but the Dodgers have not yet entered negotiations with him. Díaz declined a two-year, $37 million option to become a free agent. He appeared in 62 games this season with a 6-3 record, an outstanding 1.63 ERA, and 28 saves. He is highly sought after on the free-agent market, and reports indicate his asking price may exceed the Dodgers’ budget.