Report: Ohtani’s free-agent selection is anticipated before the weekend is over.
The MLB world is at a halt while the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes results are still unknown, but a resolution involving the most sought-after free agent is baseball history seems likely.
Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports that Ohtani is anticipated to decide where he wants to go as a free agent before the conclusion of the weekend.
“Now that he’s met with every finalist, a decision must be made. Shohei Ohtani needs to make a decision, Morosi stated on MLB Network.
Though the details of his wooing are purposefully kept under wraps, strong signs point to the Giants, Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays, even Los Angeles Angels as contenders for Ohtani’s talents.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts caused a stir on Tuesday when he revealed to media that the organization had met with Ohtani, ostensibly going against the Japanese star’s camp’s request for confidentiality regarding talks with possible suitors.
Ohtani, who just won the American League MVP award for the second time in his career following an extraordinary season in which he dominated from both the mound as the batter’s box, is probably going to demand the biggest salary in MLB history.
Ohtani was described as Los Angeles’ “top priority” by Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who also acknowledged that the meeting “went well.”
Although it’s unclear when or if the Cubs invited Ohtani for a meeting, Hoyer’s remarks leave the door open to other possibilities as well.
Ohtani is thought to have spent this past Monday at the Toronto Blue Jays’ spring training facility in Dunedin, Florida.
This winter, Ohtani has also been connected to the Los Angeles Angels, Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants, Atlanta Braves, and Los Angeles Angels.
Following his second consecutive unanimous AL MVP award in 2023, a record contract worth between $500 million and $600 million is anticipated to be signed by the two-way phenom.
The Dodgers’ skipper, Dave Roberts, broke with the trend by declaring that Ohtani is the franchise’s top priority and that his team just welcomed him for an appearance at Dodger Stadium.
While many Dodger supporters have expressed concern that Roberts’ remarks hurt the team’s chances, Morosi stated in a segment on MLB Network earlier today that he does not believe that Roberts’ admission of what everyone was aware of would prevent a deal from being reached.
It would be extremely remarkable if a team’s manager merely acknowledged interest that has been known for more than a year, and that choice significantly affected Ohtani’s decision about where he will play for the following ten to 13 seasons at a potential price tag north of $500 million.
As things stand, it is definite that Ohtani and the Dodgers met. This week’s reports suggested that the Giants and Blue Jays—the Giants at Oracle Park in San Francisco, and the Jays in their spring complex in Dunedin, Florida—were also likely to have met with the two-way standout.
The current Angels are thought to be involved as well. Cubs president in baseball affairs Jed Hoyer vigorously denied rumors on Tuesday that his team had “significantly waned” in their hopes of acquiring Ohtani.
It’s unknown if any darkhorse teams have been able to completely hide their involvement from the public, but considering Ohtani’s unrestricted mobility and the enormous desire such a talent has generated, it’s not impossible.
The Rangers, Red Sox, and Mets were all interested in the process early on, but after trailing in the bidding, it seems like they’ve turned their focus elsewhere.
It is highly likely that the offseason floodgates will open if Ohtani decides to make a move within the next ninety-six hours, give or take.
Before deciding if they will be the team to sign Ohtani in the end, none of the supposed finalists were willing to make a big move.
As such, that has had an immediate effect on the market for players like Cody Bellinger, a top free agent bat, and even trade candidates like Tyler Glasnow or Shane Bieber, whose teams undoubtedly want to see how the runners-up in the Ohtani auction are doing.