Shohei Ohtani has entered free agency, and MLB.com is closely following the latest updates and speculations surrounding the versatile player. As of December 1, the pool of teams actively vying for Ohtani has narrowed. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Rangers, Mets, and Red Sox have redirected their attention to other players, while the Dodgers, Cubs, Blue Jays, and current Angels are still in the running, with the Giants also being considered.
Ohtani is expected to make a decision soon, possibly during the Winter Meetings. Projections for the contract of the two-way superstar suggest it will likely surpass $500 million, with some sources even indicating a possible reach of $600 million.
On November 30, discussions emerged regarding the Blue Jays’ potential to secure Ohtani. MLB Network insider Jon Heyman noted that Toronto is not necessarily a distant prospect for acquiring the highly coveted free agent. Some sources imply Ohtani’s interest in Toronto based on previous visits. Despite speculation about potential trades involving Guerrero Jr. and Bichette, it remains uncertain whether Ohtani’s arrival would indeed heighten the likelihood of such transactions.
Nov. 30: Is New York no longer a consideration for Ohtani? The idea of baseball’s most prominent star playing in the largest city in the United States is a marketing fantasy. Both the Yankees and Mets possess the financial means to pursue Ohtani, but the key question remains: does he have an interest in joining them? It appears not.
SNY’s Andy Martino observed on Thursday, stating, “If there were any indication within the industry that [Ohtani] would come to New York, the Mets would aggressively pursue him. But so far, there is no such indication.”
Despite reports of the Yankees expressing interest in Ohtani and Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, MLB Network insider Jon Heyman, in a New York Post article earlier this month, indicated that the Yankees “aren’t as optimistic Ohtani will seriously consider New York based on a comment he’s said to have made to them six years ago during his team tour, suggesting he didn’t see himself in such a big city as New York.”
Even if Ohtani has dismissed the possibility of New York, several teams, including the Dodgers, Cubs, and Giants, remain in contention.
Nov. 29: Is Ohtani’s signing on the horizon? As the 2023 Winter Meetings in Nashville, Tenn., approach, Ohtani is expected to be the focal point. According to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman, the prevailing sentiment is that Ohtani will finalize a deal with a team before the Meetings conclude on Dec. 6.
During a live chat on Bleacher Report, Heyman conveyed, “I’m thinking he may sign at the Winter Meetings, which would be very, very exciting. That seems to be the prevailing opinion at this point. No guarantee. [Executives] believe that Ohtani will be the major signing at the Winter Meetings.”
Similarly, Mark Feinsand from MLB.com suggested last week that he is making an educated guess that Ohtani will complete his signing at the Winter Meetings.
The Dodgers, Giants, and Cubs are identified as teams actively vying for Ohtani. Heyman has indicated that the Blue Jays and Red Sox are also potential candidates to secure his commitment. Regardless, we could be on the verge of finding out, within a week, where one of the most notable free agents in baseball history will choose to continue his career.
Nov. 28: Ohtani ‘the top priority’ for this team The Giants have set their sights on one of the most sought-after prizes in the free-agent market: either Ohtani or Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
According to MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi’s report on Tuesday, San Francisco is making the acquisition of either Ohtani or Yamamoto their utmost priority “above all other options this offseason.”
This aligns with the information shared by MLB Network insider Jon Heyman last week, indicating that the Giants, along with their rivals, the Dodgers, and the Cubs, are among the three teams “actively pursuing” Ohtani with significant efforts.
Morosi anticipates that the Giants will play a pivotal role in the Ohtani sweepstakes as the MLB Winter Meetings draw near next week in Nashville.
Nov. 27: Could Ohtani prioritize ballparks over geography? In considering which team to sign with, Shohei Ohtani may prioritize ballpark compatibility over geographical location, as suggested by ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez. A source familiar with Ohtani’s thinking indicated that “the ballpark, and Ohtani’s comfort with it,” might carry more weight than the team’s location.
Gonzalez specifically points out teams like the Giants, playing in a pitcher-friendly park, as potentially less likely to secure Ohtani based on their ballpark. MLB Network insider Jon Heyman also highlighted in a New York Post article that the Giants’ pursuit of Ohtani might encounter challenges due to Oracle Park.
On the flip side, teams with more neutral parks, such as the Blue Jays, are seen as strong contenders for Ohtani based on the fit with the ballpark. This aligns with Jon Paul Morosi’s recent statement on MLB Network that the Blue Jays are “seriously pursuing” Ohtani.
Given Ohtani’s exceptional talent and the anticipated record-breaking contract, every aspect carries significance in negotiations. While ballpark fit may not be the primary factor, it could be more crucial than commonly acknowledged.
Nov. 25: Contemplate these 3 teams as contenders for Ohtani On Saturday, MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand and MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi delved into crucial inquiries surrounding Ohtani’s free agency. While they shared the view that the Dodgers are the foremost candidate to secure the versatile star, they acknowledged that numerous teams are actively vying for Ohtani. Alongside the frontrunners, Feinsand and Morosi identified a couple of unexpected contenders as potential “dark horse” candidates.
Morosi underscored the Blue Jays’ sincere commitment to pursuing Ohtani, citing his remarkable 1.139 career OPS at Rogers Centre. He also highlighted the Braves, asserting that they present Ohtani with the optimal opportunity to win due to their surplus of young, star-level position players under extended contracts.
Feinsand noted that the Red Sox, under the leadership of first-year chief baseball officer Craig Breslow, should not be dismissed, as Breslow may aim to make an immediate and substantial impact. Feinsand highlighted Ohtani’s preference for hitting at Fenway Park and pointed out his success in two career starts there.
Feinsand conveyed the belief that Ohtani is likely to reach a decision before the culmination of the Winter Meetings, scheduled to take place from Dec. 4-7.
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