An offseason defined by Shohei Ohtani’s free agency hasn’t been especially active within the first couple weeks. For most of the game’s top spenders, the winter may well be defined by whether they land the two-way superstar.
Those clubs may not have to wait long to learn the answer. Jeff Passan of ESPN wrote this morning that teams involved in the Ohtani market believe the expected AL MVP might make his decision early, potentially before the Winter Meetings begin on December 4.
Despite that possibility, there haven’t been many teams substantively linked to Ohtani. That’s by design, as it seems his camp isn’t interested in spotlighting his free agent process. Passan writes that clubs pursuing the three-time All-Star believe that if word of a sit-down with Ohtani were made public, “it will be held against the team.”
Even in the absence of substantive reports of teams meeting with Ohtani, it’s not hard to identify the likelier suitors. The incumbent Angels have made no secret of their hope of keeping him around. Teams like the Padres and Cubs have been mentioned in more speculative fashion.
Passan unsurprisingly lists the Dodgers, Rangers and Red Sox as teams likely to be involved. Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto danced around an Ohtani question at last week’s GM Meetings but acknowledged the Seattle front office would “presumably” need to try to value a free agent who is without precedent. Dipoto subsequently indicated the team was open to bringing in a designated hitter, saying they’d “love to have a full-time DH, a banger who just goes out and bangs” (link via Daniel Kramer of MLB.com).
The Giants are clearly searching for a star player. Both New York franchises figure to be involved. Passan indicates that the Blue Jays, not as frequently speculated as an Ohtani landing spot because of geography, could look for a way to make a splash this offseason (although he doesn’t specifically link Toronto to Ohtani beyond what seems a loosely speculative tie). Other teams could kick around ways to get involved on a player this unique. It’d be a real surprise if he didn’t land with a club accustomed to running a player payroll in the upper third of MLB, though.
Ohtani officially rejected a qualifying offer from the Angels this afternoon. That doesn’t affect his chances of returning to Anaheim. He was never going to consider a $20.325MM salary. Having to relinquish a draft choice and potentially international signing bonus room isn’t much of a factor for a player of this magnitude. Organizations considering a record-shattering contract may know within the next few weeks whether they’ll get that opportunity.
Dodgers have a competitive team, play on the west coast, have a top farm and can afford him.
What other team can offer all of that?
Any team that can make it to the playoffs can offer that. 100 win teams seldom get the ring. Look at the dback/rangers
False. One of the top regular season teams in any given season wins the World Series more often than not.
Historically its basically never been the dodgers in this century.
Dodgers have ONE full season world championship since 1966…
One thing is for certain, the Giants will be driving the price up on any team bidding for his services. If it’s money, Giants will be one of the if not the top offer for him. It will come down to where he wants to play.
Pretty sad the dodgers have won less than the royals the last 35 years and spent 10 times the money
That is actually very true.
Define “one of the top”
The team with the best record has almost never won… Dodgers fans in the 2020s are like Yankees fans in the late 90s and early 2000’s they think everybody is just DYING to play for them.
Sad? Laughable tbh. The Astros have won twice in the past 7 seasons.
Sure. Top means a team with one of the four best regular season records. Because I keep hearing how the postseason is a “total crapshoot,” I went back nearly 30 seasons and counted. I found that one of the four best teams wins the World Series twice as often as all the others. So, being good in the regular actually does matter in the postseason. Why this surprises any baseball fan, that’s something I can’t figure out.
And Ohtani would love to be the difference maker for a team that is in the postseason yearly.
I think it’s similar to gamblers remembering when they win terrible hands and forget all their premium poker hands that won. What stands out more to you, the 2015 Royals or the 2018 Red Sox?
I think the Dodgers fans are probably doing just fine
Once… to count 2017 just bc MLB didnt do thw right thing in taking that championship away doesnt mean they were rightful winners. Thats just ridiculous to count that title.
@djt. Great point. Underdog victories are always more memorable than when the favorite wins. Also, as a general thing, people are pretty poor at distinguishing between possible and likely. This is why lotteries exist.
Ok Blueskies…wildcard was implemented in 1995, from 2023 to 1995 there’s been 14 teams come out of the wild card to nearly make it to the WS or go all the way. The format has changed quite a bit since ‘95 also, while I agree it’s typically better for a team to win their division, now days it’s about matchups, and getting hot at the right time. Win losses make no difference as long as you can squeeze in. Not saying Ohtani is thinking like this but if he likes a certain team and they’re showing willingness to be competitive year in year out it’s going to be a lot better then what the Angels have been doing these past years. The Dodgers look great on paper for him to sign there. But there’s an argument for the Yankees, Giants, Seattle Padres, Texas etc…all depends where he wants to play
Also this is where I received my info..mlb.com/news/wild-card-teams-to-make-the-world-ser…
In tabulating I did not go back to years before the wildcard. You can’t draw any conclusions by backing into it, and nearly isn’t really a thing except in horseshoes and hand grenades. The question I was researching is whether teams finishing the regular season with one of the top four records are more likely to win the World Series than teams that finish lower. The unsurprising answer is the best teams are about twice as likely to win it all, far from the completely random outcome some claim it is.
Blueskies…did you even read the article I posted right underneath or you just commenting.
Yes, I looked at the article — but it doesn’t have a thing to do with my point, and it certainly doesn’t prove yours. For instance is not a proof.
16 wild card teams to advance to the World Series proves exactly my point, and has a lot to do with yours. Wild card games came out almost 30 years ago(a timeframe you made). Out of those 30, 16 wild card teams made it to the World Series. Enough said. Being on top at the end of the season is becoming more and more irrelevant. Which is exactly my point.
No, it doesn’t, and further, reality completely disproves it. No for instance example refutes the easily proven fact that the top teams are far more likely to win the World Series.
16 years out of 28 years a wild card team went to the World Series, what reality am I missing? What’s that percentage? Smh…
Simple arithmetic is what you are missing.
Ok, I get it…I’ll leave it alone, I don’t have to keep rubbing it in that I was right. Haha..
Oy vey. 🙁
Wrong the won in 1981, 1988 and 2020
Don’t be so sure, everyone had Mike Trout going to Philadelphia and then Arte opened his wallet and he is now an Angel for the rest of his career. Unless he wants to be traded.
I like the Dbacks for Shohei. Young, strong up and coming players, good pitching, good manager. However, I think he will go to the Rangers or the Cubs.
Seattle
Rangers are west coast?
Mariners do not have a top farm, have rarely if ever cracked the top 10 in payroll and have the defending champs + Astros in the division.
Dusty: Ohtani wants to play for a contender. The Dodgers are that, but despite winning 100+ games every year and winning their division, they haven’t gone very far in the PO. Having Ohtani might change that, but the Dodgers have superstars like Betts and Freeman and they still can’t get past the first round. They need pitching more than hitting, and with Ohtani unable to pitch next season, it could be one and done again next season. Will Ohtani want to wait yet another year for a chance at a ring?
Lol there shocking
If Ohtani is signing for ten years, I do not think he is going to take the narrow view on the Dodgers… However, the Dodgers will be adding at least one or two starting pitchers between now and the season. So, add that to Buehler, Miller, Pepiot, Sheehan, Knack, Frasso, Grove, etc. They should have better starting pitching going into October 2024 than 2023.
If he’s signing for ten years and isn’t taking a narrow view, it would also mean he’d consider teams like the Mets, Yankees, Red Sox, Cubs, Mariners, Padres, etc etc.
I think Dodgers are still most likely, but it’s doubtful he’s limiting himself to those specific criteria. He wants a chance to win and a big salary and lots of teams will offer him that.
***If he wants to play for a contender…..Everything leading up to now is purely speculative. Trout took the bag and is wasting his career playing for the Angels.
He’s not signing for 10 years. He’s signing for 3. He doesn’t care if the team is on the West Coast, he just wants to win. Rangers, Cubs, D-backs, Red Sox, Angels.
camp – That’s all contrary to the info that has been out there. Where are you getting your inside scoop?
Mariners seem to come closest. But these rumors of him considering texas and atlanta make things interesting.
Not saying he won’t sign with those teams but even if he had only wanted the west coast it would still make sense for his agent to take meetings and fake interest to drive up the price on his desired location
He’s not worried about price. He’s gonna get paid no matter. He wants location.
That’s still not how this works
He’s not considering Atlanta. He said he was intrigued by them. Those are two different things. Every free agent is intrigued by Atlanta. They’re the clear class of the division.
He’s not considering Atlanta? If they make him an offer he’ll have to consider them– right? No one has made an offer yet.
@carlafong – Pretty sure 30 teams have made an offer so far, and some Japan and KBO teams too. Maybe they aren’t official offers, maybe they’re ‘negotiating frameworks’ but everybody has at least left a voice mail. Nobody knows what he wants, and that is great.
No one has made offers. They may be feeling out his representatives, but there have been no formal offers. He just rejected the qualifying offer. It would be against the rules to have negotiated prior. The Angels haven’t even made an offer.
Ma: And the cubs, which makes me ill.
The Braves are one of the few teams that I think Ohtani doesn’t make sense for. After locking in all of their young players to team-friendly deals, giving Ohtani 400m might upset chemistry. Plus Atlanta needs to re-up Fried. If you’re going to sign a pitcher to a big deal, sign the guy you know and have.
Chemistry? Maybe. As for Fried, I don’t see that being a situation that is an and/or. They just cleared $7.5M from Rosario and seem destined to move Grissom to LF (cheap MLB starter). After this season, you clear Ozuna and Morton (roughly 40M/year). Those moves alone could nearly cover Ohtani’s AAV (maybe $3-$7M short). Now, no one knows what Fried is asking for. I’m afraid it’s a huge number they aren’t comfortable going to or this would have already been done, but I don’t think adding Ohtani would stop them from re-signing Fried if his numbers are in line.
He already wasted our time once.
Friedman will make a decent offer to make it look like he’s trying but he’s not coming here.
Lol entitled loser fans. Wasted our time? Youve wasted Betts time, Kershaws time, This whole dodger org is a waste.
Channelling your inner and justice for all. Niiice
The Guardians have a competitive team in a weak AL Central, play on the north coast, have a top farm, and just saved 6.6million on Quantrill.
OIC: The north coast of what? Lake Erie?
Cleveland would be the south coast of Lake Erie….
They gotta spend that money to put out the fire on Lake Erie
The infamous fire(s) were actually on the Cuyahoga River that runs through Cleveland and empties into Lake Erie. That was back in 1969 and ‘sparked’ a massive cleanup of the river and eventually all of the Great Lakes: history.com/news/epa-earth-day-cleveland-cuyahoga-…
The Rangers have a top farm, can afford him, and just won the WS. Who else can say that?
Prior to calling up Evan Carter I would buy the farm angle but outside of Langford it isn’t that impressive. Definitely middle of the pack farm. The rest of what you said is true tho, and they’d be a Death Star w Shohei.
Yeah let’s just remove a top 10 prospect in all of baseball from a farm system just to be able to call it middle of the pack. Carter/Langford are going to be rookie eligible going into 2024. That alone is worth more than yours or any major prospect writer’s rankings.
Even if you remove Carter, it’s still a strong system. Leiter’s stock has fallen, but there’s still upside. Foscue had a pretty decent year at AAA. You have Langford, Walcott, Porter, White… plus Carter and Jung just graduated from the system last year+. If Ohtani does go to TX, that’s a little scary.
But do they have a fancy shmancy North coast?
Dare I say, GOLD Coast?
Why would anyone want to play in that stadium though? I can’t imagine Ohtani signing with the rangers.
The Dodgers are smoke and mirrors and have been for decades. Sure lots of depth with their big budget but not much performance. If participation trophies is what Ohtani is seeking then LAD is the place to go. Thank goodness 2020 was a shortened season otherwise it would still be 1988!!
Look at the Rangers. Compare their roster straight up. They have more talent. Check out their farm system. They have more talent. Oh yeah, and they proved it in 2023 with a great new GM, Manager and coaching staff not to mention the key acquisitions that complimented their outstanding farm system. It’s everything the Dodgers want to be but can’s seem to achieve for decades.
If Ohtani is smart he goes to a location where winning is more important than making the playoffs annually. So forget about LAD, NYY and NYM. The three best places he could go are Texas, Houston or Baltimore. Young teams in Texas and Baltimore and Houston is an experienced and successful team but losing Baker hurts their curb appeal.
Big spenders with bad GMs like Cashman and Friedman are not the place for a stud like Ohtani to go to if he wants to win. Go somewhere that cares about winning not looking good while failing.
You could have saved a lot of words by just saying your last sentence.
“If Ohtani is smart he goes to a location where winning is more important than making the playoffs annually.”
Because as we all know, the Dodgers love “making the playoffs annually” by not caring about winning. In fact, they hate winning and don’t consider it important at all. Which is why… *checks notes*…they have a .618 winning percentage over the last decade, good for an average of 100 wins per season. Clown comment, bro.
rct – I get it. Your a participation trophy guy. It makes perfect sense.
Winning only means one thing to winners and that’s a RING. The bs you guys push is for people who like to be in the limelight and finish 2nd at the Academy Awards!!! hahahaha
“If Ohtani is smart he goes to a location where winning is more important than making the playoffs annually.”
Making the playoffs annually provides the best opportunity for winning. World Series titles are the flukiest trophy of any sport because every team who gets in has a solid chance to win.
Just as someone could point to the Dodgers’ 2020 title and say it was a fluke, someone could point to Texas this year and say it was a fluke. They got in by a game, mostly because the Mariners choked brilliant opportunities to beat them 4 straight games in the penultimate series of the season.
myaccount2 – Seems like factual evidence proves you quite wrong.
LAD – 1 bogus win since 1988
NYY – 1 win this century
SF – 3 wins
BOT – 4 wins
Are SF and BOS in the playoffs annually like LAD and NYY. But evidence shows more rings without having to be there EVERY year.
Your argument is logical but holds no truth in reality.
Your BS about choking is a ridiculous argument. Pointing out that in a 60 game season the results aren’t likely to match a 162 game season is a solid argument. Check who would have made the playoffs the last decade or two after 60 games and who actually did.
Arguing about a game when a team choked is something that happens annually which means EVERY team wins by luck and Texas is no different than all the other CHAMPS.
Flukiest trophy? Seriously with expanded playoffs going to all other sports first so ANY slightly above .500 team in all the major sports can win the Championship. What a weak argument. Come back when you have something of substance!!
I’m not sure what cult you belong to, but you need to sober up. The Dodgers have been in first place something like seven years in a row. The Angels haven’t made it to .500 a single time as an Angel. The Yankees aren’t a winning franchise? Really? With whom does Ohtani have the best chance to win? The Mets with the richest owner in the sport who is willing to spend whatever it takes? The Yankees with an equally aggressive mentality and Gerrit Cole at the top of the rotation with Aaron Judge hitting behind him? The Phillies? San Francisco has a great organization and is looking for their superstar.
SF was a perennial contender in that era. Things evolve with time. You lost me with any argument by trying to make some kind of point by suggesting a team who won 3 titles in 6 years was not a perennial contender at the time.
My point stands, and if you understood numbers and data, you could use regressive analysis to link making the playoffs and winning the title. It’s hilarious you tried to use Boston and their 4 titles as a counterexample, by the way. Look at how many times they made the playoffs in that span. Hint: more than most teams.
myaccount2 – Dodger fans and Yankee fans talk to their LONG TIME achievement of making the playoffs and not winning. SF clearly was an annual threat during the window they won three times and Boston has been an “on and off” threat since 2003 until Bloom arrived.
LAD and NY argue that being in the playoffs EVERY YEAR is better than winning more rings because it sets them up to win more rings and my point is they don’t execute well enough to take advantage of making the playoffs annually. SF has made the playoffs 6 out of 14 years and has won 3 times.
LAD has made the playoffs 11 out of 14 years and only won during the shortened season. Boston has made the playoffs 4 out of 14 years (3 with Dombrowski and when he missed in 2019 he was fired!!) and has won 2 times since 2010.
The whole point is that making the playoffs should not be more important than winning rings. Teams like BOS and SF DID NOT make the playoffs over 50% of the time since 2010 and yet one team has 3 rings and the other has 2 rings but LAD made it 11 of 14 and only came away with one because it was a shortened season. So when LA fans pump their chest about making the playoffs EVERY YEAR and say it increases their chances I say bull crap. If that were true LA would have more rings than BOS and SF.
Were you able to follow this explanation? I never wrote any disparaging about SF and BOS IS a perfect example of a team that wins frequently when they make the playoffs but don’t make the playoffs nearly as often as other team that come away with nothing. I’d rather have rings and less consistency than consistency and no rings.
If your argument is that he shouldn’t sign with LAD, I guess I follow your argument; however, they are the one outlier in recent history when it comes to the data that shows making the playoffs more = winning rings. Also, statistics and probability would suggest they would be likely to run into luck sometime during his next contract if he were to sign there because they would continue to be perennial favorites for the division crown.
myaccount2 –
Making the playoffs annually provides the best opportunity for winning. World Series titles are the flukiest trophy of any sport because every team who gets in has a solid chance to win.
________________________________________________________
The 2018 Boston Red Sox were an absolute juggernaut in both the regular season and the playoffs.
That’s a fact, one I won’t dispute; however, one example isn’t enough to make a concrete point. How many times has the best team in baseball won the World Series the last 20, 30, 40, 50 years?
Just for reference, 4 of the past 10 World Series winners were wild card teams:
2023 Rangers- WC
2020 Dodgers- WC
2019 Nationals- WC
2014 Giants- WC
That’s why just getting in is important in baseball, especially with the new playoff format.
myaccount2
–
I agree with you that with the expanded playoffs, more teams have a chance to win the World Series.
However, the 2014 Giants were an established team that won the 2010, 2012 World Series, and played in the 2015 World Series against the Royals.
2019 Washington had one of the best starting rotations (Scherzer, Strasburg, Corbin) in the playoffs
The 2020 Dodgers also had one of the best starting rotations in the playoffs (Buehler, Urias, Kershaw) and power offense (Betts, Seager, Muncy, Turner, Pederson, Smith).
The 2023 Rangers lost to the first place Astros on a head-to-head basis and despite that fact, they dominated this year’s playoffs because they were a force both offensively and in the starting rotation.
Therefore, when drawing a conclusion from the facts I have stated above, it would be hard to say that these teams were accidental winners even though they came out of a wild card spot.
I’m not suggesting those teams weren’t worthy of being champions because I think any playoff team is worthy, I’m just saying there’s wider variance of seeds to win rings in baseball than the other of the big 3 sports (hockey probably beats MLB in this). I believe your anecdote about the 2023 Rangers supports this idea actually because they overcame being beaten soundly head to head during the regular season to win in the playoffs.
I’m not sure how many wild card teams have won the Super Bowl in the recent past, or how many 4-8 seeds have won the NBA Finals, but I’m confident it’s lesser than MLB wild card teams who have won.
myaccount2 –
2023
Astros 90-72
Rangers 90-72
Where is the joke here?
The Astros did not dominate their division.
I have serious doubts that such a coaching talent as Bruce Bochy could win 4 World Series by accident.
I could say this about Cora, who in his first year at the helm of the Red Sox won the World Series, Boston was too talented that even Cora could not interfere with his incompetent actions.
Bochy is on a completely different level.
I’ll bet Cora isn’t likely to win a World Series anytime soon as a manager.He’s not competent.
I’m not sure of the point you’re trying to make because I don’t disagree with anything you’re saying. My whole point is any team who makes the playoffs in baseball can win it, including a 90-72 team who tied for the 6th best record in baseball and beat a team who dominated them h2h in the regular season (I never said the Astros dominated the AL west–I only stated the h2h results of HOU-TEX).
I fail to see how the statements you’re making don’t support the idea that champions in baseball don’t have to be the best team in the regular season.
myaccount2 –
I fail to see how the statements you’re making don’t support the idea that champions in baseball don’t have to be the best team in the regular season.
__________________________________________________________
I agree with you regarding this statement.
I disagree with the statement that absolutely all teams that make the playoffs directly or from a wild card slot have an equal chance of winning the World Series.
I never insinuated there is an equal chance either haha. You’re misunderstanding my argument: a wider range of seeds win the WS than the NBA Finals or SB and underdogs have a greater chance at disrupting the playoff bracket and getting hot enough to win it all in baseball than in the other sports.
A WC3’s chances are not equivalent to a 1 seed’s, but they’re higher than an 8 seed’s chances at winning the NBA Finals or a 7 seed’s chances of winning the Super Bowl.
That is why I’m saying it’s important to “just get in” in the MLB. The “anything can happen in the playoffs” concept is especially applicable to baseball, which is why I’m arguing that Ohtani going to a team that frequently makes the playoffs provides the best chance to win a ring.
Let’s hope Ohtani has wiser advisors then you. Baltimore the city is trash and shouldn’t be considered. Ohtani is a global superstar and has to think about his brand. Those dissing the Dodgers are likely just jealous of their consistent playoff appearances each year.
“have a top farm”
Not doubting their ability to develop new talent, but they graduated a few of their top prospects (Vargas, Bobby Miller, Outman, Pepiot) this season. Are they still considered a top farm or more middle-of-the-pack at the moment?
rct: Until the Dodgers make it to the World Series, those 100 wins they pile up every year are going to seem hollow.
The Dodgers make the most sense for both involved. He’s not going to Seattle– too small a market. No TV. Too much travel. I could see San Francisco being attractive. Texas is doubtful because of the location. Mets, Yankees– viable options. Baltimore and Atlanta could be the sleepers. Both of these teams are set up to be great for many years and Ohtani could put them over the top. Angels? No way. He’ll get more money elsewhere and be on a better team. And when he leaves I think Trout gets traded. Most likely to the Phillies who return their top outfield prospect Crawford and one of their top pitching prospects.
Isn’t Texas one of the teams tied to Bally with broadcasting rights? if it is, i’d be kinda worried about how consistent and long that relationship will last and could terminate at any day, with -0- tv revenue, or cut to the bone and relying on handout wise levels until mlb gets it’s act together and has the wilpower to confront teams, who have actual ownership stakes of whatever corporations broadacst their games and they are able to receive 10’s of millions more than Bally ever paid out to any team.. Hello out to NESN (Boston), YES, NYY as primo examples.
Wait until MLB attempts to wrest control of broadcast rights from John Henry and the Steinbreners. This site and boards just like it will be exploding for sicialist rights of the needs of the many (teams nobody wants to see and be supported) outweighing the needs of the few 9teams owning broadcast corps and are wanted to be seen).
Hope i’m around to see that bomb go off. It’ll fill up every safe space created with feelings hurt types.
I just read that the Rangers will play on Bally for the 2024 year and then get their rights back in 2025. Bally won’t broadcast anymore baseball games after 2024
They will need a crane to pry MASN from Angelos.
carllafong: I’ve been hearing that Ohtani might sign a short term contract, for a high salary of course. If that’s what he’s thinking, I think almost anyone with money has a chance to sign him even if they aren’t on the west coast.
This guy wants TV time and a big market where he can be a legend. That’s not Seattle or Texas or San Diego. It’s the Dodgers, Philly, Boston, NY, Atlanta. The money will be there wherever he goes, so it’s about winning, playoffs and creating a legendary legacy. The angels are out because they’re not going anywjere for the next few years.
Atlanta a big market? Maybe for the Dukes of Hazzard and Mayberry
Atlanta is not the Atlanta of old.. They are being highlighted on national TV because of how good they are. The Cubs would be another possibility
Oh they’re good and fun to watch and worthy of national attention. Just yee haw. Nascar and SEC
That ain’t happening. Far more likely he signs a long contract with multiple opt-outs and substantial performance bonuses. This is the only way to go with a player who may or may not ever both hit and pitch again. Nobody has any idea what his future is worth, including the man himself. He’ll get a very creative contract.
Deep down, like me, you want him back in Anaheim though! I say 50-50.
Can you give us an example of what that type of deal might look like? He gonna max out incentives at 95mil/season or?? Opt outs when? How many opt outs? Humor us Blue Skies.
Upvote for Mayberry ref! When my daughter was a tween she was obsessed with the show, now @17 she won’t admit it….
@cpdpoet I am glad to hear that the younger kids can still be enamored by wholesome entertainment.
Waltons 8pm-12am PST. On Season 1 still currently! Hallmark Channel..
Right back at ya. Like Keegan I’m going to noice your noice
You’ve never been to Atlanta obviously. I’ve been to Atlanta and Fontana. I’d pick Atlanta any day. BTW Fontana has it’s very own Nascar Speedway.
Atlanta boast 6.1 million people in their metro area, it’s the 6th largest media market in the US, Diamond sports south was one of the only tv deals not effected by the Bally bankruptcy.
Atlanta also happens to be “Hollywood South”, it’s extremely friendly deals with tv and movie studios. It’s the second most popular filming site.
You are notorious on this site for your bad takes and limited knowledge, so your comment surprises no one.
Dallas-Fort Worth is the 5th largest market in the US. Seattle falls just one spot shy of the Bay Area.
lol. What does market size have anything to do with any MLB team. Not one MLB player is in the top 10 in endorsements in the US. All of Ohtani’s major endorsement $ comes from Japan. Which city in the US outside of LA, SF, and Honolulu has more flights to Japan than Seattle?
Legacy???? He is already regarded as one of the top players in history.
Seattle generates more TV revenue than 90% of the league, own 60% of their RSN, also own the broadcast rights to the Portland Trailblazers and the Kraken. Landed a sweetheart streaming deal with FUBO last year. Conservative estimates were around $220 million annually while they only have to report the $130 to $140 from the direct baseball broadcast revenue. Seattle had the highest operating income in 2022 and just drew 2.69 million in attendance.
And he has mentioned during the All Star break he has spent the previous two off season’s with extended time in Seattle.
Not saying he is guaranteed to sign with Seattle but I would only put them behind the Dodgers and SF and on par with the Rangers. They have a much, much better chance at him than the Angels(who have literally zero chance).
Plus, the only ‘star’ to compete against is JRod. Seattle doesn’t need Ohtani pitching in ‘24, needs a DH, huge Japanese following, and Ichiro.
Atlanta is the headquarters for over 15 Fortune 500 companies. Has a strong and vibrant Asian community, and has direct flights to Japan. Being on the west coast saves you a couple of hours at best.
carllafong – Agreed but I don’t think his motivation is greed, it’s Roy Hobbs type thinking. He wants to be considered the greatest of all time like Ted Williams at batting.
If Texas was to win several more championships in the next several years with Ohtani and Ohtani pitches and hits, he will be the legend he wants to become with respect to baseball. He may have more commercial opportunities and other frivolous side interests not related to baseball in cities like NY and LA but as far as baseball goes, he can become a legend if he maintains his skills and plays for a winner.
Right now, LA aren’t winners. NY aren’t winners. Texas is a winner. Houston is a winner. BAL is an up and coming winner. ATL and PHI are borderline winners. They are stacked teams that with Ohtani could become winners. I don’t believe adding Ohtani to LAD or NYY would make them perennial winners of rings, they’ll be the same old organization boasting about appearances not wins. 20 of 27 rings are over 60 years old so the great franchise of the early 1900s is long gone.
The GMs pretty much dictate the winners. With inept GMs in LA and NY you need to look at the up and comers like Chris Young and Mike Elias and the established, legendary GM Dave Dombrowski for GMs that care most about winning not participation trophies.
Kim Ng can offer him all that PERSONALLY! Don’t underestimate a baseball dynamo such as herself. She will find a way!
Sir this is a Wendy’s drive thru. What does Kim Ng?
2 Six Piece Spicy Nuggets, Plain Baked Tater, and a Small Chili please!
Kim Ng may find a way but she first needs to find a team. If she returns to her original club the White Sox, she will have zero chance of wooing Ohtani. Perhaps Ng could run a potential new expansion team in Portland since her husband owns a winery in Oregon. That scenario would require Ohtani signing a shorter term contract or opting out of a longer term one.
Maybe the Reinsdorf comment was a feint. Actually, if he’s looking to sell, what better way to pump up the value than by signing Ohtani? He wouldn’t be on the hook for the salary anyways, and would realize franchise appreciation overnight. And yes, this pipe dream only possible if Kim returns back to her organizational roots
Husband? I would have never thought..
So now have this image of Kim Ng winning the Ohtani sweepstakes. No particular team as of yet so he wouldn’t be able to compete. Just sitting on the back deck patio furniture playing battle tanks on a Nintendo 64, enjoying a cool beverage and cat sitting while Kim goes on job interviews.
Nothing wrong with StarFox, Goldeneye, and Super Smash Bros..
The Dodgers need at least two top of the rotation starters and Ohtani doesn’t offer that next season, if at all. Plus they need at least 2 Outfielders and probably a middle Infielder. Ohtani would have been a luxury item for the Dodgers a few years ago and now the once vaulted starting pitching depth has definitely been depleted
His favorite skipper Nevin will lure him to SD.
So you’re saying he’ll be the little buddy to skipper? What about Mr Howell, Lovie and Ginger?
They wanted too much $$ to reappear for this sequel… Instead we get Christopher Reeve as Mr. Howell, Jayne Mansfield as Lovie, and Amy Winehouse as Ginger.
Somewhere The Mosquitoes’ Bingo, Bango, Bongo and Irving are smiling and they have no idea why?
Yankees. They’re East coast but can afford him. I know most people aren’t agreeing with me but I think he’s going there. Yankees always surprise.
The Dodgers are typically the “regular season Champs”. I’m sure Ohtani is looking to be a Champ.
If geography is a factor, yes, LAD are on the West coast. Being a competitive team changes yearly. See the Red Sox, Yankees, Mets, San Diego as examples. Farm system rankings change yearly as players make the majors. Any agent who considers farm system strength and current competiveness is doing a disservice to a client looking for a 10 year contract.
The Dodgers are in California- enough said. Who wants to go to that sh-t hole of a state
Not sure, maybe ask the 130 MLB players on the 5 teams located in California and you can be given a proper answer, perhaps.
there not all there by choice.
They make enough money that it wouldn’t make a difference.
Where have we heard that turn of phrase in re locations. Ah well- at least you’ll always have Mar E Lago
The Cubs were in the running when he first came over. Most people are saying that the whole “west coast” preference is way overblown. The Cubs also have a top farm, are almost a shoo-in to win their division in 2024, just hired one of the best managers in baseball, and have his international teammate and friend Seiya Suzuki on their roster.
Who ya calling friend friend
I could see Sho hanging out at that dinky Mitsuwa food court on Algonquin rd, zapping away on his Nin 64 at 1130 at night while his wifey hunts for sesame oil and Kim nori. So why not Chicago indeed
Oh what a gem this post is hahahaha!!!! Nice Theo…Very nice!!!
@Dumpster Divin Theo Haha I love that place. Go there all the time.
Tensuke on Higgins has much better food. And their food court keeps expanding. And then you can head to Elk Grove bowl afterwards
Looks like another offseason snooze fest
Rangers have a World Series Reigning Championship Team, have a top farm and while they don’t play on the West Coast, they can offer more money as a result of state income tax than the Dodgers.
I think he ends up a Dodger, but acting like other teams don’t have something to offer isn’t a fair representation of his market.
I just don’t see him joining the Dodgers, sorry. Everyone says Dodgers based off money for every big player, but how many players do they actually sign? Dodgers may sign him but they’re clearly not the only choice.
My Starbucks barista saw my Angels credit card and said she heard “Showhee” is going to go to the Pirates because they have a lot of money. So there’s that.
Barista’s know what they are talking about too! Ha! That would be awesome if it did happen though
Also if he goes to Dodgerland he can leave early after the 7th to beat traffic
Shouldn’t Shohei be privately chauffered in/out of games via helicopter?
Some strange takes on here about the dodgers, who i despise, but cant deny their success. They won in 2020, even if it was a shortened season… it counts. If TB had won, there would be plenty on here talking about it. And they lost in 2017 to a team that was proven to cheat, so to count that title for houston and not LA is a joke. Cant talk about the dodgers like they havent won… they just did a few years ago.
Trevor Bauer won Cy Young that year… shortest season and his best. It was a fluke. Sure, the playoffs maybe not, but I still label it with an asterisk.
Nobody would still care even if Tampa won, your team won, or my team won. It was a sham of a season doubled down with a sham of a postseason. It’s asterisks as far as the eye can see with regards to 2020.
If and when the Dodgers win another title, they will admit as much. Maybe not as pointedly and honestly as you, though they will admit 2020 was a major monkey on their back due to the perceived illegitimacy by the fans and others.
I dont think so only because every team wanted to win just as badly as in every other year. They know in 20 years nobody will care it was a shortened year. Their fans experienced the joy of a WS win.
I agree that everyone wanted to win badly. Though maybe time will tell as you say. 20 years? Maybe. 25-30 maybe though..
Maybe… in the meantime, I’m happy to make fun of dodger fans
That’s crazy talk- next you’re gonna say he gets free Dodger dog
No sir. I wouldn’t go overboard like that!
If it’s about winning then he would end up in Texas or LAD. But 25% of your payroll means you better have some good talent coming up soon. Tex and LAD again.
Texas wins Ohtani signing “BET”
cplwhite: What about Arizona and Baltimore? Tons of talent in the majors and minors and both contenders.
Avaneger, you truly see that man in Baltimore? Honestly?
Baltimore and it’s ladies got crabs
P.S. Sorry for spelling your handle wrong Avenger.
Snow crabs? Blue crabs? King Crabs?
Mariners
Hear he’s a big fan of Aquaman so maybe Sho holding a trident could work. So many choices!
I might be the only one not wanting him on my team. The numbers I’m seeing are ridiculous for any player, especially what could end up being a DH. The second half of the contract could be a fading hitter that can no longer steal bases and a shot arm taking up a third of your payroll. There are only a few teams that can risk that hit and remain successful. The Cubs are not that team because their ownership won’t keep spending. Heck, even Heyward’s contract was an excuse.
Cubs will get soto if this deal falls
Through
I love Juan Soto but he’d cost a lot in dollars and even more so in prospect/player capital as a rental. He also can’t pitch and would force Ian Happ into CF or as trade bait, perhaps even to the Padres along with Christopher Morel? An extension with Soto isn’t likely with Scott Boras as his agent but the Cubs might have a leg up on the competition next offseason.
Shohei Ohtani would ‘only’ cost the Cubs a boatload of cash, loss of a #2 draft pick and $500,000 from their international bonus pool. The Cubs could offset the draft pick loss by gaining a compensatory pick after Competitive Balance Round B if and when Cody Bellinger signs with another team. Ohtani would provide the Cubs with a ‘comparable’ bat to Soto along with another ace on the mound to pair with southpaw Justin Steele as soon as 2025.
Like most pundits and fans, I have the Dodgers ponying up for Ohtani. However, I also predict that the Cubs will still sign a highly impactful Japanese free agent, ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto as their ‘consolation’ prize. 🙂
I also predict that if the Cubs fall short in the Ohtani sweepstakes and don’t trade for Soto, they will sign the latter next winter.
I have Bellinger re-upping with the Cubs. But Juan Soto would sure look good in that lineup as well.
Sean – “I might be the only one not wanting him on my team.”
Count me as 2. I’m an Angels fan and there’s no way I would want them to spend the amount of money being bantered around for that much risk. We’ve done it before with zero success: Pujols, Hamilton, Rendon, et al.
Funny, everyone knows where’s he’s going and misses 47/50 in the predictions contest. I’m guessing he stays in the Pacific time zone. Dodgers, Giants or Mariners, no Padres. He’s not going to Texas.
As a lifelong Rangers fan, the sudden appeal this team has to FA’s exciting, but I am hoping we pass on Ohtani unless he will consider a shorter contract. No denying he is a multi-generational talent, but I see those numbers and think we could sign a top starter, plus a bat, plus a reliever. It makes me nervous to have to commit 25-30% payroll to one guy.
All smoke and mirrors. The Rangers aren’t in on Ohtani. Young and Bochy are focused on bringing in more pitching.
Great talent but this team doesn’t need a half a billion dollar dh
I think these teams would (or likely and realistically would) give Ohtani 500 million: Dodgers, Giants, Cubs, Rangers, Mets, Yankees, Sox, maybe the Phillies, maybe Seattle, and distantly possible the Braves. Even more teams could give him a high AAV short-term deal if he wants that. So really, at the risk of stating the obvious, more than any free agent maybe ever, it’s really just where Ohtani wants to be – he can probably make any of those teams work.
He’s signing with Seattle.
Book it!
The Mariners are my sleeper team. Ohtani loves Seattle and his baseball hero was Ichiro.
Book it? Is this Las Vegas dot com or MLBTR ???
@Winslow Leach
It’s a site owned by Vegas.
My gut says he’s looking for a change from SoCal. The Dodgers are not getting any younger. Their starting staff is declining. Red Sox front office are in disarray or rebuild it seems. Angels don’t have any sublime talent with their youth like a Corbin. And Ohtani can’t count on a trout or Rendon staying healthy or the starting staff to pick it up. Seeattle doesn’t have a big enough budget to build around him. Rangers would be really limited with the other big contracts to make other moves. So maybe Cubs, Yanks, Mets, Giants?
SkipJutz: Seattle does have the money to sign Ohtani if it’s a short term contract. A lot of teams do in that scenario. Take a shot of Pepto-Bismol, then see what your gut tells you about Ohtani wanting to leave SoCal.
No way will he do a short term deal. Name me a big star who has on their biggest free agent year. He’s only 29 once
Correa
He would look sooo good in Northwest Green. It’s impressive and boring how quietly Shohei’s free agency is being conducted. Both times. I would love to be a fly on the wall as these teams are presenting their vision to him. I don’t think the salary is gonna be the differentiating factor. Maybe 30 years from now we’ll get the whole story because I doubt we get a fraction of it anytime soon.
“He would look sooo good in Northwest Green.”
Yeah I think that’s going to be the biggest factor in his decision.
Wasn’t implying it would be good sir.
But I am
“a player payroll in the upper third of MLB”
It’s just math but once a team signs a player for $45-$55 million AAV, they will jump into the upper third of payrolls. If they weren’t already there.
I foresee a huge contract with multiple player opt outs early on in case the team does not contend. Teams can look great on paper but farm systems often don’t pan out and a solid core or recent success can turn ugly with little notice. Like the Mets or Padres this year. If contending is the most important to him he’ll want the option to bail for a new team.
If he wants opt outs you can bet that he will get them.
I thought the Angels were retaining him?
I have been saying SF for months. Not changing now.
Ohtani, is going to sign a 10 year deal. He will still be young for a DH when the deal is finished. Edgar Martinez played at DH until he was 41. Many others have played at DH into their 40’s. Ohtani will only be 39. As for farm systems, I don’t see the relevance. Over a 10 year deal the farm will change dramatically. He is going to get paid so the biggest question is where does he want to live?
10 bucks says Ohtani never pitches another MLB inning. Never a guarantee to recover appropriately from a 2nd TJS (or whatever he “technically” has/had done). His arm is hurt. DH from here on out. Lame duck arm…Same for Walker Buhler and Dustin May. All 3 are toast!
Sub – …”2nd TJS (or whatever he “technically” has/had done)”
I believe it was a 2nd TJS for two reasons. First, 2023 is the first season that I’ve heard an alternative surgery for a torn UCL is available, but it remains undescribed. For some reason, MLB doesn’t want to call it TJS for several players.
Second, one of the guys on MLB Channel the other night slipped up and referred to Ohtani’s 2nd Tommy John surgery.
Seattle Fits:
– the supporting cast is set; only one big bopper away
– have loads of cheap young pitching
– franchise has the track record with luring Japanese talent & Ichiro is in his ear
– Mariners have never been to a WS; Ohtani would love to help break the WS drought
– Ohtani has spent off-seasons in Seattle & interpreter makes his home in Seattle
You forgot the Nintendo of America connection. They were the majority owner of the Mariners until 2016. Nintendo still retains a 10% share in the ballclub.
Yep yep yep- Sho will have ready access to Nin 64 cartridges. Maria Cart while the little ones dodge the fishmongers at Pikes. And imagine the hype- can Safeco get to the levels of Sounders or Seahawk games?
You bet your sweet bippy they can. 45,000 capacity at T-mobile (formerly Safeco)
Blue Jays are not in on this and would never be considered. Metaphorically speaking, the FO clowns kick every tire on the lot. They end up purchasing a 2003 Oldsmobile and market it is a new Lexus.
Yeah Gausman sure was a bum wasn’t he vs that Cy Young winner Ray.
Hey! My dads last 2 cars were a 2003 Olds and now a Lexus! So you saying the Jays are the Dad joke of MLB?
To Mr. Ohtani, the Bay Area is great! Lots of diversity and amazing people! Plus drive 3 hours to Lake Tahoe or 1 hour to Monterey Bay! You will love. Plus it’s not LA
What about the high density of transients, poopoo, peepee, and rigs (syringes) on the street? Other than that it’s amazeballs for sure right? Yes I have been there recently 😉
The thing with the Giants is that they would need more around Ohtani, probably a bit more starting pitching and a couple more supporting bats. The infrastructure is not as built up around him where you could just plug him in and it’s an instant success. Not to say the Giants couldn’t get there, but they need more than just Ohtani right now.
Having Correa would have helped.
GSW – “…amazing people!”
That’s subjective.
Highly doubt Cubs. There’s hardly a Japanese population there and it’s freezing in the Spring and Fall
Can’t beat Orange County. Best Japanese food around next to Tokyo. Shohei knows whats up.
Agreed!
But with his salary he can open up his own restaurant at his new palatial estate in whatever city he signs with…..
True true…Maybe just keep it simple with 2 24/7 private chefs that reside in his mansion with him? 1 Japanese/Sushi Chef and another “all purpose chef?” For when one of his GF’s want late night chicken tenders or something? The Japanese Chef might be able to handle that by himself though actually…1 Chef might be OK..
Holy crap.
The Chicago metro area ranks #9 on the list of US cities with the most Japanese. Chicago is #6 among those with MLB teams: uscanadainfo.com/japanese-population-in-united-sta….
The Cubs also have a currently playing Suzuki right fielder in Ohtani’s ear…Seiya!
Shohei @ Wrigley with Bellinger would be super instense!
Depends what Ohtani wants for a playing environment for the rest of his career – the Jays have fun guys like Vlad & Springer, serious ones like Bo Bichette, and are strong contenders with massive money thanks to being owned by the same people who own the TV network (they get far higher viewership than any other MLB team – heck, spring games were getting half a million viewers).. It is known the Jays have 2 budgets – one a ‘unicorn’ budget and a regular one. They have massive renovations going on at their park (thus want to pack it at high prices) also.
To write off the Jays in this pursuit seems foolish at best imo.
Supposedly Ohtani was seen at Rogers Centre in the last couple days, but it may just be an internet rumor.
Minasian had a chance to ink him up but blew it. Now Ohtani goes from minasian to everyone’s Asian
Good points Jnorthey
It’s really really funny to me all the people giving and dismissing Ohtani’s priorities for where he wants to play next year like they know him, when you’re all just guessing as much anybody else. This whole comment section has been wildly entertaining for me. Thanks for that.
Fowlerrc – It’s always entertaining when people on here spew their speculation and hopes as facts as though they are in the rooms where the business is done, or have coffee every Tuesday with Ohtani.
“Please come to Boston in the springtime…..”
.honestly i dont think anyone has a clue where he will sign but the west coast preference is nonsense as Ohtani has never once said that and any team can go from 100 losses to “winning” in 2 seasons see Tex and Az . So please pass the popcorn as its going to be fun to watch this kid choose
“Please come to Boston in the springtime…..”
The correct lyric is ““Please come to Boston FOR the springtime…..”
Sheesh
Switch to decaf lol
Passan can hard pass on mentioning the Blue Jays. Jays would need to clear payroll to get Ohtani plus deal with other holes around the diamond. If Jays ownership is willing to pay tax penalties, get him. The revenue and attention he’d bring to Toronto would far exceed penalty fees.
This feels like it will be a very long, quiet winter with almost everything coming out of nowhere. It won’t be like it was with Correa (ugh)…
I do think Ohtani’s situation will have virtually no news until there’s actual news- as in he signs- I also wonder if he will turn into another Correa due to his medicals having concerns- if they kept rescinding and re-structuring offers to Correa over his surgically repaired body, why wouldn’t the same happen with Ohtani, who is probably going to be fielding offers 2 to 3 times larger at a minimum?
Based on how privately this process is being conducted, if offers are rescinded similar to Correa I would be surprised if we hear about it in such a public manner. I agree w/ you on the quiet winter w/ everything coming out of nowhere at least until after Shohei signs.
Personally, I think he is doing the right thing keeping quiet and playing his cards close to his vest.
Face it, all teams have probably reached out to his people or him directly if they have a way to him to get the temperature of the situation.
Finally, my friend’s girlfriend is a sushi chef at a great Japanese restaurant in Cincinnati. She makes great sushi, Shohei. Just saying.
(Yeah, I know, no way in he-double-hockey-sticks Po Boy pulls that off)
Ready access to cold water fish is the key. If you’ve ever eaten sushi/sashimi prepared with warm water fish, you’d know that the finest sushi chef in the world won’t matter.
The Sox being “in” on Ohtani, to whatever degree, is positive. Distancing themselves from the previous regime’s mindset is an essential distinction to draw for the Sox new leadership.
Don’t count LAA out … RW (and the coaches now being assembled around him) may just be creating an environment to entice Ohtani back.
Of course, there’ll be lots of opt-out clauses.
Yes, seems like a long-shot (an understatement?) but Ohtani’s comfortable playing in Anaheim, which shouldn’t be sold short.
If not the Angels, I think the (smart-ish) money should be on the Braves!
One thing I can tell you is whatever team Ohtani goes on. Will make them an instant contender put them on teams like Boston, the Yankees, or even the Dodgers. They will definitely make the playoffs and that’s the bottom line.
Juggy – Isn’t the goal to win the championship not a participation trophy for making the expanded playoffs? With Breslow in Boston there is hope they will behave like they did when Dombrowski was there and focus strictly on winning but NYY and LAD are clearly participation type organizations. It’s all show but no dough!!!
The LAD and NYY are pretenders who satisfy their market by coming close but not winning. HOU, BOS and SF are markets that demand winning and don’t focus on the participation trophies. Ohtani needs to go to a winning location because that’s foremost on his mind otherwise he’d be content to spend the rest of his career playing with Trout. He got his dream opportunity with Trout and it didn’t work out so now it’s time to fulfill the real dream of elite players, he wants a ring quickly and often.
I think of all the teams that are chasing Shohei, I don’t know if anybody will have the PR nightmare that the Dodgers will, with all of the hype around the Dodgers being the favorite to sign him, if he goes somewhere else. I’ve been a Dodgers fan for 47 years, and I don’t remember there ever being such a “must sign” free agent as Shohei. The Dodgers are going to have to spend stupid money. Something that they don’t usually do. And unless you want to call Betts and Freeman “stupid money”, there is nobody else on that roster that comes close as far as commitment.
For those who have lived in a foreign country, what were the creature comforts you missed from home? Consider that when predicting where Otani will want to play/live. When he initially chose to play on the west coast, he was naive about the flying time difference between Japan and the west versus east coasts. He also did not know at that time he would favor sleep over any other down time activity. Furthermore, where are the larger concentrations of Japanese fans? Where will he continue to be a big fish in the pond? All these things will weigh heavily in his decision. Accordingly, my guess is that it will either be Boston or San Francisco.
Ohtani originally chose LAA because he wanted to play with the best and that was Trout back then. Now, there is no face of baseball like there was with Trout. Acuna had a great year as did Mookie and Freddie. Many assume that having Japanese players on their team would give them a better chance of drawing him to that team. I disagree. I don’t see Ohtani as a guy who needs to be surrounded by countrymen to feel good about his situation. He also hits me as a guy who might stay away from places like Boston because Cora and his strong link to cheating in baseball!! Houston still has a stigma about it’s cheating too. That’s why Texas makes so much sense.
Legendary manager, former pitcher as the GM who has no negatives related to his behavior throughout his career, a legendary pitching coach and a stacked roster with lots of youthful players with excellent upside potential.
Atlanta has a clean reputation as well and lots of talent. Philly has the closest thing to Trout with respect to the face of baseball in Bryce Harper. Dombrowski also has a knack for working a payroll situation to be able to maximize talent so I could see Ohtani in a Phillies uniform as well.
I would be disappointed if LAD signs him but I think there are very few teams with the talent and character of their four big stars: Mookie, Freddie, JD and Clayton. I don’t think they will figure out how to win since they haven’t the last 11 years with good teams (other than the shortened season). If he chose a dark horse like the Cubs or Mariners it would be fun to see if they could translate his addition to winning rings.
In the end, I still think he wins the most rings in Texas. Brand new stadium, great talent, massive growth in popularity considering they are competing with the Cowboys and a front office that has been in place two years and has converted a sub .500 team to a world champion without many of the key acquisitions participating in the win. They are all rostered going forward so the team will be better in 2024 with or without Ohtani.
I’m a mets fan and I believe ohtani will end up w the red Sox. That is my prediction
The Cubs were a finalist when Ohtani first came to MLB. However, at the time there was no DH in the NL, so Ohtani would’ve had to pitch and either be a pinch hitter or play OF/1B. Joe Maddon would have presumably come up with creative ways to use him.
Ohtani is reportedly not solely/primarily motived by money, but instead by situation. And, after having spent more time in the US, he is not as influenced by geography of a team. Rather, he seems to want to find the right situation after feeling mostly unfulfilled during his time with the Angels. He wants to win, and he wants to elevate his game to unspeakable heights.
The Cubs have a park that fits his hit chart perfectly. They have a central location with one of the lowest amounts of travel time during the season. They have a solid organization with a history of welcoming Asian players, and they currently have Seiya Suzuki as a potential teammate/friend.
They offer a big market for him to thrive, without the overwhelming scrutiny of the media in NY/LA. They are ready to contend, with several pieces in place, and a stocked farm system. They have the money to spend on the right players at the right time.
There’s a lot of smoke around the situation, even though Ohtani is keeping it really quiet this time around. But it makes a lot of sense for sure, and obviously I’m excited about it potentially coming to fruition.
The Redsox are cornering the Japanese player market and with long histories pioneering and promoting Japanese players in MLB they earned it. Hideous Nomo, Dice-K, Tarawa, Uehara, and many more with Masataka being the latest. You’ll see the first ever Japanese Triad of Ohtani, Masataka & Yamamoto rain down a string of rings never before seen in the History of Baseball. Watch it happen the Japanese Triad is coming to Fenway Park!
It’s going to be fun to see how disappointed you all will be when Ohtani signs a 2 year $125mm deal with the Angels
Every winter there is the sought-after prime free agent followed by soon dawning awareness that it wasn’t worth it – too late. Like a “Hangover” movie.