Shohei Ohtani’s Highly Anticipated Free Agency Sparks Speculation and Excitement
Nov 16, 2023, 08:02 AM ET
In case you’ve been living under a rock (or perhaps one of MLB’s new supersized bases), Shohei Ohtani, the free agent sensation, is making waves in the baseball world. Far and away the best player available this winter, the longtime Los Angeles Angels two-way star is expected to command a contract worth more than half a billion dollars. This is despite undergoing a second UCL surgery and being unavailable to pitch for the 2024 season.
The question on everyone’s mind is, who will land this once-in-a-generation talent? Here’s everything we know so far, from Ohtani’s exceptional skills and potential earnings to his top suitors and the latest news and buzz surrounding his free agency.
Latest Buzz
Nov. 16
Cubs Eyeing Second Chance at Ohtani
The Chicago Cubs, who were among the finalists for Shohei Ohtani’s services in 2017, are making a push to sign him once again. This time, they might have a better shot at securing the coveted player.
Nov. 15
Which Teams are on Ohtani’s Mind?
While Shohei Ohtani is keeping his free agency plans close to the vest, sources reveal that he has expressed affinity for certain teams and cities in the past. This adds an intriguing element to the speculation surrounding his potential landing spot.
Nov. 13
Could Ohtani be Interested in a Short-Term Contract?
Despite the astronomical figures being thrown around, there is a possibility that Shohei Ohtani might consider a short-term deal with a high average annual value. This could open up numerous suitors for the talented player during this offseason.
Nov. 11
Will Ohtani be off the Board Before the Winter Meetings?
Shohei Ohtani’s highly anticipated free agency might not last as long as expected. Some general managers believe that Ohtani will make his decision relatively quickly, possibly even before the winter meetings in December. This could have a significant impact on the rest of the free agent market.
Nov. 9
Is a Position Change in Ohtani’s Future?
Executives from the general managers’ meetings have raised the possibility of Shohei Ohtani transitioning to a corner-outfield spot or first base in the future. This demonstrates the value teams place on Ohtani’s talent, even as he recovers from his second elbow procedure.
Nov. 8
GMs Mum on Ohtani… For Now
General managers are remaining tight-lipped about their pursuit of Shohei Ohtani, adhering to mandates from the league and players’ union to avoid hindering the player’s market. Ohtani himself prefers to keep the process as private as possible.
The 10 Teams in Hot Pursuit of Ohtani
While it is still early in the process, the New York Mets, New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays, and Seattle Mariners are considered the most aggressive in pursuing Shohei Ohtani. However, other surprise teams may enter the mix.
Dodgers, Rangers a Fit for Ohtani
Experts believe that the Los Angeles Dodgers and the World Series champion Texas Rangers are strong contenders for Shohei Ohtani’s services.
As the baseball world eagerly awaits Shohei Ohtani’s decision, the excitement and speculation surrounding his free agency continue to grow. With his exceptional skills and potential to reshape the game, Ohtani’s next destination will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the future of baseball. Stay tuned for more updates as the story unfolds.