Cubs Manager Craig Counsell Calls MLB's Shohei Ohtani Rule 'Bizarre'
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell criticized a Major League Baseball rule that lets the Los Angeles Dodgers carry 14 pitchers on their roster because of Shohei Ohtani. Counsell called the rule "bizarre" and said Ohtani gets "special consideration."
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell is speaking out against what he sees as unfair treatment in Major League Baseball. The league has a special rule that allows the Los Angeles Dodgers to carry 14 pitchers on their roster because of Shohei Ohtani.
Most teams are limited in how many pitchers they can have. But Ohtani is unique because he both pitches and hits at an elite level. The rule was designed to help teams use players like Ohtani without hurting their roster flexibility.
Counsell thinks this gives the Dodgers an unfair edge. "It's a rule to help offense, I think, more than anything, if you ask me," Counsell said. "And then there's one team that's allowed to carry basically one of both, and that he gets special consideration. Which is probably the most bizarre rule."
The controversy comes as teams prepare for the new season. Ohtani signed a record $700 million contract with the Dodgers last year, making him the highest-paid player in baseball history.
Other managers have not yet publicly joined Counsell's criticism, but his comments suggest there may be wider frustration about the rule across the league.
This shows growing frustration among MLB managers about rules that give some teams advantages over others. The controversy highlights how one superstar player can change the competitive balance across the entire league.
Watch for other managers to weigh in on the rule as spring training progresses and the regular season approaches.
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