Shohei Ohtani’s cloak-and-dagger free agent saga has held up the top end of the free-agent and trade markets alike through the offseason’s first several weeks, but a decision from the two-time AL MVP is “imminent” and could be announced at some point today, per MLB.com’s Jon Morosi. In a segment on MLB Network (video link), Morosi adds that the Blue Jays have improved their standing in the Ohtani derby this week and are a finalist alongside the Dodgers, at the very least.
At last check, the Jays, Dodgers, Giants, Angels and Cubs were all involved in the bidding. The possibility of a dark-horse suitor that’s flown under the radar to this point can’t be ruled out, given the secretive nature of Ohtani’s free agency. Anecdotally, it’s of note that Friday marks six years, to the day, since Ohtani made his last free-agent decision, when he signed with the Angels.
Ohtani and the Blue Jays are believed to have met at the team’s spring training complex in Florida this week. Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts acknowledged during the Winter Meetings that his club had met with Ohtani and considered him their “top priority,” prompting some hand-wringing among Dodger fans that even such a basic acknowledgment of the obvious might work to their detriment. The Giants are reported to have met with Ohtani last weekend at Oracle Park. The incumbent Angels, of course, are already a known and familiar commodity for Ohtani. The Cubs’ status in the bidding remains least certain, though president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer publicly denied reports this week suggesting that his team’s optimism regarding Ohtani had waned.
Bidding on Ohtani was widely expected to eclipse $500MM, even after the slugger/ace underwent elbow surgery following the 2023 season. He’s not expected to pitch in 2024 but is on track to be ready to be in his next team’s Opening Day lineup as a designated hitter. There’s been some speculation this week that the bidding could push closer to a staggering $600MM. It’s heavily speculative at this juncture, given the by-design quiet nature of Ohtani’s foray into the open market.
Ohtani, 29, will be a transformative presence in any lineup he joins. A career .274/.366/.556 hitter, he’s stepped up his offensive game in recent seasons. He’s not quite on the same level as Aaron Judge or longtime teammate Mike Trout in terms of per-game production, but Ohtani has also been in the lineup more than both players over the past three seasons, even after missing the final several weeks of the ’23 campaign due to that elbow injury and an oblique strain. Since 2021, only Judge, Kyle Schwarber and Matt Olson have hit more than Ohtani’s 124 home runs. Only Judge, Trout and Yordan Alvarez have topped Ohtani’s massive 157 wRC+ (indicating that he’s been 57% better than a league average hitter after weighting for home park and league run-scoring environment). In that time, Ohtani carries a .277/.379/.585 batting line.
That’s only half the story with Ohtani, who finished fourth in 2022 American League Cy Young voting and has emerged as a legitimate top-of-the-rotation starter — when healthy. That’s a massive caveat in light of an earlier Tommy John surgery and now a second elbow procedure (details of which remain nebulous to public onlookers). But over the past three seasons, Ohtani has pitched 428 1/3 innings 2.84 ERA ball with an elite 31.4% strikeout rate and an 8.3% walk rate.
If Ohtani is able to return to those heights following a second elbow surgery, there’s a very feasible path to him simultaneously winning a league MVP and Cy Young Award. His ability to regain that form, of course, is the single largest question mark surrounding him. There’s no doubt that Ohtani will pitch again in some capacity, but his expected level of success will remain a talking point until he actually takes the mound. At this point, he’s proven that it’s foolish to bet against him — but even if Ohtani can’t recapture that ace form, there’s plenty of value in him beyond that of a pure designated hitter. If he could pitch even as a capable mid-rotation starter or perhaps effective reliever, that’d be immensely valuable in and of itself.
And, even if Ohtani is simply never able to regain his form as a viable MLB pitcher, there’s no reason to think he’d “only” be a designated hitter. He’s played in the outfield both in Japan and (far more briefly) with the Angels. Ohtani still possesses above-average sprint speed, per Statcast, and there’s some reason to think he could improve upon last year’s 63rd-percentile ranking if he were focusing only on hitting and playing the outfield. He’s swiped 86 bases in his career, including a 20-for-26 showing this past season. The arm strength is clearly there, as is the raw athleticism needed to handle the position. At that point, Ohtani could be viewed in a somewhat comparable light to that of Judge, who signed a nine-year, $360MM contract when he was two years older than Ohtani is at present.
The off-field value associated with Ohtani can’t be discounted, either. Any team signing him will be tapping into a global fanbase that’ll boost merchandise sales, ticket sales, television ratings and more. Ohtani’s broad-reaching brand won’t pay for his salary on its own, but it’s a clear factor that any interested club will be weighing and attempting to contextualize/value when putting forth its best offer.
With a decision looming on Ohtani, let’s open it up for MLBTR readers with a poll:
DanUgglasRing
Pirates expanded payroll about to blow everyone’s mind.
frontdeskmike
My money is on the A’s.
angryyankeesfan1
The odds of the Oakland A’s signing Ohtani is low, but never zero.
For Love of the Game
Let’s not kid ourselves, it’s zero!
angryyankeesfan1
It’s actually negative
VinScullysSon
What if their owner offered Ohtani 25% stake in the team? Interesting thought. Not realistic but interesting.
Cat Mando
Vin…..In MLB platers can’t be owners, directly or indirectly.
Mets6986??
That would be worth less then the contract he’s going to get.
scissormetimbers
They’re moving to Vegas, so 25% is alot of value.
Mikeyman
Didn’t think there was any of that singing group still alive!!LOL LOL. Sorry couldn’t pass that one up.
unpaidobserver
If the owner wasnt an embarrassing sham of a worthless maggot hed have signed a guy of Ohtani’s caliber to pair with the announcement of moving to Vegas but…he is so…not happening.
crise
Ohtani’s buying the As? That would be news.
avenger65
Well, he didn’t exactly buy it, but part of Wayne Gretzky’s signing with the Oilers, the team gave him a shopping center.
chiefnocahoma1
Have you seen the odds in Vegas? Last I looked it’s 10,000 to 1.
Fred K. Burke
Comon now. What about the White Sox. Mr. Reinsdorf just met with the Nashville mayor.
Ohtani looking good in Nashville in another 2 years when the White Sox move.
Unclemike1526
I’ve got something else that’s imminent. Heading for the can right now.
halloffamernobodycares
greetings fellow toilet occupant!
Longtimecoming
Man up – I’ve been holding it for 3 + hours!
Datashark
A’s will have to sign EVERY Japanese player available to win him over.
bucsfan
I can only dream. Maybe if Mark Cuban owned the team.
Fever Pitch Guy
bucs – Even with Cuban, I don’t see the Pirates being big spenders. The collapse of the steel industry has made it difficult for them to generate enough revenue to cover a high payroll. It’s all about the job market, same reason with Cincy and Cleveland. That entire region is screwed.
Dock_Elvis
Pittsburgh has actually long moved on from steel. There’s some nice corporate presence. It’s not a major market, no. But you can walk across from PNC to the Starkist headquarters. Heinz I’d there. It’s gotten kinda brainy. I mean….how do we really know the market. They’ve rarely put a competitive team on the field since 1990. And that’s largely been by mismanagement. It takes a lot for a partnership group to unseat a majority partner…but they did with Nutting.
I just truly don’t feel we know WHAT Pittsburgh can do. They actually sell quite a bit of merch.
Tabata's Adopted Son
Fever Pitch, you’ve never been to Pittsburgh, have you? Not much of a steel town these days.
Fever Pitch Guy
Dock – I love Pittsburgh, have been there many times, and the Pirates have been my favorite NL team going back to the ’70s. It’s a phenomenal baseball town and one of my favorite ballparks.
But I just don’t see wages in the region supporting a high payroll team.
OIC2021
I did enjoy the look on STEELER fan’s face after dropping out of playoff race last night
TheMan 3
Pittsburgh has more industry than just the steel mills, Fever
UPMC is the region’s largest employer and world renowned transplant center
Their technology is one of the largest in the country, Carnegie Mellon is equal to MIT and has a renown Drama school
this isn’t the 1960’s, Pittsburgh is a good place for employment
holecamels35
i hate that I’ve become somewhat of a Nutting defender but I do believe he gives the ok to add payroll when the time is right, the GM’s just need to know what to do with it. Huntington made his worst moves when the team was it’s best, signing horrible players and giving away other guys. Cherington has played it safe so far, overly so, time to shake things up. I feel like Bob is as hands off as it gets.
KyleT
“I don’t see the Pirates being big spenders.”
Somebody doesnt know what a joke is.
Hemlock
> Fever Pitch, you’ve never been to
> Pittsburgh, have you?
> Not much of a steel town these days.
But they’re going to steel Ohtani.
edwardk64
Unless he’s had some great epiphany in the past two years, Cuban has made it clear that he has no interest in being the cavalry coming over the hill to buy the Pirates via an extensive interview in the PG. He noted that Nutting would be insane to sell, as well
There are other big timers locally—someone mentioned Thomas Tull— but you don’t hear of any enthusiasm from them to “rescue” the team
edwardk64
Wish people would quit calling it “the Steel City”. That ended in the 1980’s. You’re right in that Pittsburgh went from a top 10 market to….I’m not even sure it’s top 25 anymore…thanks to loss of population
Beautiful small city, beautiful ballpark, but given MLB’s financial platform, hard to see even the richest owner coming in and spending hundreds of millions in salary with that in mind and in a ballpark that holds 39K
Following something like the Rays’ model is the only thing that makes sense here
KyleT
“Wish people would quit calling it “the Steel City”.”
Boston Bake Bean stores havent existed for 150 years. If thats any indication, you got a long wait before they stop using ‘The Steel City’
OIC2021
It still smells of steel
meckert
It’s a little early but I’m going to enjoy an Iron City beer right now.
Yazmyhero
I’m sorry, but given his age, injury history and the pressure of potentially playing for a big market team, there are too many red flags here to warrant a long term contract. I hope there are team opt outs in there…..
steelerbravenation
I kind of agree with you
Nutting is not the problem after the Cutch playoff teams. It was Hunington and his drafts & traded.
Gerrit Cole was never signing an extension to stay in Pittsburgh they knew that drafting him.
Neither will Skenes. But that is ok. They just have to bring him up when they are in their window of contention which I believe will be 25.
Look they are a small market team so they have to be figure out ways to combat the big markets.
The owner paid Cutch. He has now paid Reynolds & Hayes. Hopefully Keller too but if he is not interested in signing an extension Cherington has to trade him.
Nutting allowed Hunington to bring in AJ Burnett, Russel Martin,
unpaidobserver
The team opt out is called not signing him.
edwardk64
Their only option is to build the farm, get some talent up here that will compete and improve while they’re under control, extend who they can and repeat
You’re right. Hard to do that when your GM has decimated your farm system
I think Cherington has done an admirable job of restocking the minors but as so many have said here, just who they have scouted and deemed worthy of signing and their player development department seem highly suspect
Blue Baron
Don’t knock Pittsburgh, yinz jagoffs. It’s home to Primante Bros. and Yinz Coffee!
BloodySox
San Francisco is now Steal City
RedFraggle
Kennywood smells like something else…
dasit
“trenton makes, the world takes”
trenton doesn’t make anything anymore (except overrated yankee prospects)
Dock_Elvis
Fever Pitch- No, it’s a small market unless there’s a benevolent owner type. I think corporate presence matters as much or more than the ticket sales to regulars. MLB has become a destination for many people..once a season..maybe twice. Games are a FORTUNE.
Pittsburgh is an amazing sports town and deserves better. It’s been shown that small market teams can compete. This really is on the Pirates management. If they were the Rays we wouldn’t even be discussing the region much.
Amazing park! Put a winner in there!
Dock_Elvis
Edward…all future ballparks will be 39k or under.
Mets6986??
He can’t even keep the Mavericks.
Fljay073
He cashed out. Made over $3 billion & is 65yo. He still keeps majority control of the Mavs.
Rexhudler86
I don’t think he completely sold the mavericks he’s just a minority owner now. He wouldn’t be head of basketball operations for nothing.
Logjammer D"Baggagecling
Mark Cuban tried to buy the Cubs when the Chicago Tribune put them up for sale. He bid 200mil more than Joe Ricketts but because of his history with the nba. The other 29 owners voted against lett8ng him buy the team. And it has to be unanimous to get approved.
fre5hwind
YES SIR
Balk
There’s a tradition in Japan where a parrot predicts where this dude is going to sign, that bird picked the Giants! Haha! Poor bird! apple.news/AklPakbWrSrGfzacqmbGkeA
unpaidobserver
Im with the bird on this one.
edwardk64
Yeah, the dark horse in all of this. Big contract and a few properties on the north shore. Sold!
Beff Jagwell
Royals are offering 18/922
Balk
Sold!!
Hemlock
> Royals are offering 18/922
18 yrs / $922
$51.22 / yr
KyleT
You forgot Season Tickets to Chiefs games.
Logjammer D"Baggagecling
Lloyd Christmas gif
“We’ll take it”
bloomquist4hof
18 year at 922k per year
99CaptainJudge99
BREAKING NEWS: THE NY YANKEES HAVE SIGNED SHOHEI OTHANI 2 A 15 YEAR $700 MiLLION DOLLAR CONTRACT…
Rick Pernell
I am hoping beyond hope that the Rockies sell the City of Denver and sign Ohtani.
Remember Fantasy Baseball fans, in Fantasyland anything can happen.
ckc12537
After years of failing to extend Carlos Correa, Gerrit Cole, and George Springer, Jim Crane finally opens his wallet and gives Shohei Ohtani the twelve year, $618 million contract.
Beff Jagwell
He didn’t fail to extend anyone, he just didn’t want to overpay. Has t really worked out for the Twins has it?
ckc12537
I was partially being sarcastic but yeah, Springer/Correa haven’t been good contracts.
bumptiousrex
Going to the Saudi League which was just formed in the last hour.
rottenboyfriend
December 8th 2017 Ohtani announces he is signing with the Angels! December 8th 2023 Ohtani moves up his announcement from this weekend to today! I’m thinking that may be Great news for the Angels!
Balk
Now that’s interesting! Didn’t know that.
VegasSDfan
Dodgers. He should include player opt outs after 3 years and on. In case the the team isn’t competitive
Balk
As quiet as the Giants have been on him and with all the noise and confusion with Dodgers media and Toronto, I wouldn’t be surprised if he signs with the Giants.
HBRC1987
He signed with the Giants!!!
Johnny Bravo
Lies the Los Angeles Angels
April 11, 1960 & December 9, 2024
RIP
Johnny Bravo
Lies Los Angeles Angels
April 11, 1960 & December 9, 2024
RIP
Catuli Carl
AHHHHHHHH
ArianaGrandSlam
When the article with the decision comes out, l will be the first to comment. Watch.
whiptydojoe
No one cares
Habitual Truth Teller
You cared enough to comment and people cared enough to like your comment.
Baseball’s Topics on Baseball Today
ArianaGrandSlam is going to get hand cramps from refreshing the page today. Watch.
Mets6986??
It will be another 2 weeks.
avenger65
Mets6986??: The Shohei Ohtani decision “imminent”. Sounds like he’s about to give birth.
Ducey
It will be a change from how he usually gets hand cramps.
Habitual Truth Teller
Gods speed. I support your dream
aTouchOfSarcasm
What if your mom makes you come upstairs to get your Hot Pockets?
abcrazy4dodgers
And maybe I’ll bookmark said article and comment in October. But premeditated props to you sir, do yourself proud.
jvent
Oh please hurry up lol
RyanD44
I think everyone is kinda burnt out on the headlines or lack thereof, and ready for him to sign so the offseason starts moving finally.
kripes-brewers
I’m sure the writers are too, but they gotta get the clicks! Tis the season…
avenger65
I don’t understand why teams not in the Ohtani sweepstakes aren’t signing the other major FA. If the Dodgers don’t sign Ohtani, they’ll go after Yamamoto. But what if a team like the Braves or Phillies, who probably aren’t going to sign Ohtani, move along and just sign Yamamoto? They don’t have to wait to sign anybody
RyanD44
If you are a free agent, and you know the richest teams in the sport are chasing Ohtani, why would you sign when you know only one of those teams is going to get Ohtani?
Wouldn’t you want to wait and see if those or her teams get desperate and/or aggresive once Ohtani signs?
stymeedone
But Yamamoto thinks by waiting the bidding will go higher. This is unlike Lance Lynn who almost fainted when he got the offer from St. Louis and instantly knew it wouldn’t be beat.
Bigtimeyankeefan
It’s a shame he’s such a great talent and that’s why we all care so much where he goes
bluesteele
Why is that a shame? Weird post.
Habitual Truth Teller
Cause Yankees aren’t getting him
steelerbravenation
Doesn’t seem like they want him Mets either something tells me he told them he had no interest in playing in NY
Rexhudler86
He didn’t before pretty much his list was the same when he first came from Japan, the pads, and mariners weren’t on it this time because they didn’t make offers is my guess so he added the blue jays, and the cubs. Also have a suspicion that teams know it’s either the angels or dodgers.
Moneyballer
It’s not a shame at all, it’s awesome!
StlCardsDisappointment
Uhhhhhhhh…….huh? Insert confused John C Reilly GIF here
B_Diddy010
Congratulations to the Pirates. That’s a big signing. But to cut costs, they are trading every player on their team. 8 fans will take the field with Shohei each game. Will be interesting!
Habitual Truth Teller
I like the marketing strategy. Definitely would increase fan attendance.
Buzzz Killington
I feel bad for Dave Roberts. It’s not his fault.
fre5hwind
A true Buzz Killington statement
Poolhalljunkies
Sorry Dave..you always get a free meal in boston
Habitual Truth Teller
Totally is cause he went rogue. He doesn’t sign with LA Roberts gets canned.
DanUgglasRing
Dodgers are a great team without Ohtani to this point. I think they’ll be fine either way and roberts will draw criticism but it’ll cool off once they start winning like usual (which pains me to say as a giants fan but it’s true).
avenger65
Dan: Of course they’ll keep winning. They did pretty good this season despite a paper thin pitching staff. But the Dodgers, like the Braves, are expected to win. It’s what they do in the PO that matters.
UncommonSense
Doubt Robert’s comments mean anything in this. Except to the Dave haters.
Rexhudler86
I don’t think ohtani cares about the meetings getting leaked he didn’t want contract details to get leaked, and so far it hasn’t. His team said he didn’t want to get accused of driving up the price. Plus now it’s down to five teams maybe less, and it’s ohtani’s decision.
PhilliesFan91
The dodgers don’t even need him , They need pitching more then they need Ohtani
bob9988 2
The whole Mariners money issue have just been a smoke screen.
gaertnerj
I read deleted tweet from JP reporter Mariners offered him 1yr 65 mil
Thank_God_Im_Not_Tim_Dierkes
Not even if he could pitch!
Hired Gun 23
Despite all that we’ve seen from Ohtani, how much longer can he keep up being a two-way player? Is he worth whatever he gets? Does being so marketable, both foreign and domestic, help ease the price of the contract? What say you…
Halo11Fan
How much is a great RF worth? He’s only a DH because he pitches. He’s a sensational athlete.
fre5hwind
He played RF in Japan so it is a possibility
hossmandu
Hired Gun – estimates vary wildly, but I’ve seen anywhere from $30mm-$80mm/yr in direct economic impact to the team. Assuming a 10yr contract that’s $300mm-$800mm. This is incremental increase in home attendance, increase in merchandise sales, and increase in advertising revenue.
An economist in Japan who has been doing this type of analysis for several years estimated Ohtani’s world-wide economic impact in 2022 was $337mm.
TAKERDBACKS
Giants to me are the darkhorse.
KcsMsFan
The Giants have been rumored prominently throughout the whole process as a potential suitor and even included in this article as a finalist… I don’t think you understand the meaning of a dark horse.
Habitual Truth Teller
It’s been widely expected he signs with LAD
Speculations have been hes entertaining other offers to increase his contract with everyone else a distance 2nd in the race.
He signs with anyone but LAD it will be a dark horse moment
Poolhalljunkies
Instead of expected..you mean “assumed”..ohtani for his part never said anything to lead people to expect la
Habitual Truth Teller
No expected: regarded as likely; anticipated.
That’s been what many huge outlets predicted soon as he became a free agent.
Course expectations (expected) doesn’t always translate to what actually happens
Even mlbtr unnamiously voted on ohtani to LAD during their top 50 free agent predictions.
mlbtraderumors.com/2023/11/2023-24-top-50-free-age…
fre5hwind
The Giants were seen as a big suitors the entire time, that’s not the definition of darkhorse
Habitual Truth Teller
How many people predicted Ohtani to giants? 10% or less?
How many people predicted Ohtani to Dodgers? 90% or more?
Many people in the industry during their free agent predictions mocked Ohtani to LAD. Vast majority.
Everyone else including the Giants were seen as significantly less likely 2nd tier. Cause nothing is ever 100% unanimous with predictions.
Hence dark horse if ohtani signs with anyone but LAD cause nobody actually believed in any of the 2nd tier clubs except the very few who did (10% or less)
Dodgers have been the only team to publicly announce they met with Ohtani. Giants didn’t. Cause LAD believes they’re favorite. Nor did any other 2nd tier team. Which backs up the industry overwhelmingly predicting Ohtani to LAD.
VegasSDfan
Or are the Padres the dark horse. Shredded salary hard right before this. Totally off the radar.
WhiteSharkBite
“As early as today” Doesn’t really add much to the original timeline of “By Sunday”. These reporters are so annoying sometimes
Longtimecoming
I am hoping Blue Jays. Exciting young team and not in my team’s league.
getrealgone2
Our long national nightmare is nearly over.
getrealgone2
Bret Hart convinced him.
RandorBierd
Some of Bret’s best and most underrated work was as a heel Canadian.
getrealgone2
97 Bret was gold.
MotownWings
Until Bischoff and Hogan turned him to coal.
RandorBierd
Exactly. They had a ready made opponent to stand-up to and bring down the NwO in Bret, but due to Hogan’s insecurities he keeps pushing the NwO agenda. Could have made a ton of money and even extended the run with a proper opponent. People became worn-out by the NwO by that point and the whole operation was done not long thereafter.
MotownWings
Didn’t need Bret to take down the nWo. They already had a guy at Starrcade 97 to do that in Sting and they royally f’d it up. Made Bret look like a loser at the same event.
RandorBierd
That was a complete fiasco. They built Sting up for a year and then flushed it right down the toilet again to pacify Hogan. That being said I believe Bret as a long term solution held more national appeal than Sting had it all been done correctly.
MotownWings
Hmmm tough to say who would’ve had more long term appeal. Neither guy was young at the time but both could still go. Unfortunately Bret got hurt by Goldberg and had to retire (we’ll forget his 2010 run)
Moneyballer
We enter the arrival of the much alligned MYSTERY TEAM. Welcome to the party!
Catuli Carl
If it’s not the Cubs, I’m hoping for a Messi to Inter Miami type shocker.
Honestly anyone but the Dodgers please.
getrealgone2
Probably Dodgers.
Catuli Carl
Let me dream
Moneyballer
Acuna would be mad cuz his days of easily winning the NL MVP would be over. Cmon Ohtani, make the right move – sweet home CHICAGO!
Poolhalljunkies
Easily?..Acuna has a grand total of 1 mvp award and never finished higher than 5 in the voting previously..how exactly is acuna the “easy” mvp favorite in the nl?
bhambrave
He won it unanimously last year.
Mets6986??
Acuna would be the favorite to win next year with Ohtani not pitching.
Halo11Fan
I thought the Dodgers were a lock. But Ohtani needs and expects to have his wishes respected. I think Robert’s opening his mouth has made other teams contenders.
And Roberts lies to reporters all the time. It’s part of a managers job description.
The Angels lied by omission for months regarding Max Stassi. And it was honorable.
carllafong
You gotta work hard to get Max Stassi into this conversation.
Halo11Fan
I’m just saying that teams keeping their mouth shut is honorable, and they do it all the time.
Writers rip them for it, but most writers are not honorable. It’s often not a seek the truth profession.
agnes gooch
Hallelujah, let the floodgates open
Simm
It’s going to be a mystery team because that’s the only one that didn’t leak anything at all.
Well probably not but I’d love it to be true.
tbus
Yankees want to be the Mecca of baseball this would be a total boss move!!
Pedro Martinez’s Mango Tree
Just make a decision already so some of these other players will start making their own decisions! One guy holding up the entire league!
Poolhalljunkies
Yes ..this is totally holding up boston from losing out on yamamoto , montgomery and others so they can sign seth lugo
Mets6986??
Seth Lugo would be a get. Wouldn’t use him as a bad signing example.
Pedro Martinez’s Mango Tree
No, he wouldn’t. The Sox need top of rotation pitchers to build around, not 34 year old 4s
thenewf
He is signing with Toronto. Private jet is flying from Anaheim to Toronto in 2.5 hours. Kikuchi is in Toronto.
just_thinkin
lol why would he be in anaheim
thenewf
It’s where he has lived in the US for a while
Stevil
I’m not big on predictions, but I thought Arizona made a ton of sense. They can afford him (yes, they can),and one way I speculated over how they might do that is with a partial stake in ownership upon his retirement.
I’m not sure what the rules are regarding players involvement in ownership, but the point is clear: get creative.
That said, I still hold out a sliver of hope he goes to Seattle, however unlikely that may be.
bjhaas1977
We all know that it’s imminent! I didn’t think he was going to retire!?
GoGreen
Pure speculation here, I think Jay’s land him 14y/610m
carllafong
Is that all it takes? Why isn’t everyone else in too?
jolink65
Because no one is going to want to pay him $50+ million when he’s in his mid to late-30s.
VegasSDfan
Dodgers 14/590
It’s all about money
Jakariya Sohan
He’s a Blue Jay. Already has a huge fan base in Japan and now in the USA. He will inherit a massive following in Canada playing in Toronto.
Niceee
Lol he wants to win, though. The Jay’s don’t really do that
mike127
Niceee….”he wants to win, though”.
Hmmm—-if the finalists are the Dodgers and Blue Jays–let’s see—during Ohtani’s lifetime those teams have combined for exactly ONE championship—and there’s a lot of skepticism to that as the Dodgers won theirs during the 60 game season.
Let’s quit making like the Dodgers are some ring producing machine.
JerseyShoreScore
The Dodgers have that ONE full season World Championship since 1966 to be proud of! .
carllafong
Uh, they’ve won their division 10 of 11 years. Ohtani wants a crack at the playoffs and with the Angels they couldn’t get to .500 let alone the playoffs. But I still think the Angels have a shot. It’s better for this team if he goes somewhere else. they won’t have enough money to field a team around him.
Niceee
Yea and ’93 was a loooong time ago
Niceee
Never said anything about the Dodgers. Seems like you think about them a lot though
Mets6986??
Weird comment. Adding the best player in the game to a perennial 90 win team would probably make them contenders.
Jakariya Sohan
I think he’s already maxed out his popularity and value in the west coast. Now he has a chance to play in a “new country” in Canada. Really impressive as he’s been successful globally. Starring in Japan, USA, and now a chance in Canada.
Not a Blue Jay fan, but it’s my guess!
Jakariya Sohan
Plus, last season while playing vs Toronto, in a sold out Rogers Centre, Blue Jay fans cheered as he hit his 39th HR. No boos whatsoever. I think at that moment, he will remember.
How many GREATS regardless of the sport, can say they have excelled PLAYING for 3 different countries of the same profession? Totally unheard of!
Ducey
Uh, Vlad Guerrero Sr. among others
Jakariya Sohan
Uhh, did Vlad Sr starred while playing in 3 different countries? Not counting little league. I only counted US and Canada.
Nuggethoarder
Didn’t stop him from picking the Angels…
njbirdsfan
Mr. I’m all about the winning is going to take top dollar no matter who it is. Which is fine, but just drop the whole I only care about winning routine. It’s sad this many people buy it.
The entire league doesn’t revolve around one player no matter how much he thinks it does.
just_thinkin
the jays are gonna be chasing the orioles, rays, and yankees for the next decade. one of the hardest paths to the playoffs that ohtani could choose.
it will be the team it has always been: the dodgers
User 2079935927
2 Yoshinoya restaurants doesn’t = a huge Asian fan base.
Robrock30
Ohtani is a superstitious guy as the # 8 is a lucky # in Asian culture akin to the # 7 here.
Today December 8th he will announce his decision.
Robrock30
My Wife is Chinese and # 8 is Ba which sounds like Fa meaning Fortune which works since she has me as her luck.
In Japan it is similar as it symbolizes prosperity as well. I will have to consult my Japanese professor friend later today for clarification on.
I of course studied under the Famous Professors Harry Harootunian and Najita.
Central Valley
Get ready Giants fans, you’re about to be heartbroken once again.
gfan
We’re used to it.
It’s all good either way.
There’s a bright side to most of them.
Simm
It’s not really heartbroken if it wasn’t really ever going to happen.
Balk
If it’s not the Giants would love to see him anywhere other than the NL! Ha!
Nobby
Dodgers or Yankees would be my guess. Leaning more to the Dodgers.
carllafong
Since the Yankees are not bidding– good call,
fre5hwind
Yankees? What are you on
Rexhudler86
I don’t buy a mystery team with ohtani, he had a top 5, and it looks like the cubs dropped out. The only team that has been silent, is the angels. Everyone else has had stuff leaked.
Cuso
Hart Foundation 2.0
Ohtani is gonna roll up with Votto, Morneau and Paxson and just issue chair shots to every umpire at customs
MotownWings
Is Ohtani the Pillman in that scenario?
Fatty15 2
I heard he held off announcing until the anniversary of Pearl Harbor cuz he wanted to be the second Japanese guy to drop a bomb on the US
gfan
Wow dog.
Deez Cardinals
All this Drama and delays smh. Will the Dodgers just seal the deal already!
newpony13
Dark horse is the cardinals
Deez Cardinals
Now that would absolutely shock me. Better chance of a snow storm in Tampa Florida lol
GhostofRandySavage
What if it was the Astros, not wanting to be 2nd best in Texas anymore
Drew Waters Bat
AA, make it happen.
clrrogers
Get it done, Blue Jays!!!
raulp
Dodgers or Giants
carllafong
Nope. It’s either the Dodgers or the Angels. Guessing he goes to the Dodgers.
stretch123
Doesn’t feel like the decision is about money honestly and I’d be willing to bet all these teams have offered him 600 million.
I think it ends up being 13 years 600 million, couple opt outs… my gut feeling is he signs with LAD but would not be totally shocked if it ends up being the Jays.
Digdugler
13 years! he will be 43.
Mets6986??
Not about money but you stated they are all in the 600 mil range. I think your statement is at odds with itself.
bhambrave
If all the offers are in the same $600M range, then it won’t be about money. It will be about something else.
stretch123
Literally just stating a fact that money won’t be a deciding factor… he’s gonna get paid regardless
clubberlang
Why does this feel like it’s going to be nobody is predicting? Astros or Redsox lol. Something completely out of Left Field
Mets6986??
Rangers
JPopp9
Im kinda getting a stay with the Angels vibe.
GhostofRandySavage
Agreed, I think both those teams are very possible.
Big cheese G stands for grilled
When I saw the headline for a couple seconds I felt bad for Ohtani then I realised oh ‘imminent’
VonPurpleHayes
Ohtani to the Reds.
Reds Fan In MS
We been spending with Candelario, Martinez, and Pagan. Now, comes the prize piece to the ‘Natti
Mets6986??
Well Griffey did it in his prime.
Bart Harley Jarvis
My cousin knows this guy that says the Phillies are going to sign Ohtani.
This one belongs to the Reds
My friend’s girlfriend said Ohtani was eating in a Japanese restaurant in the Natti.
Or maybe it was just a Japanese dude in an Ohtani Reds jersey.
♪
Yes, that’s why Harper/Boros have asked for an extension. If the Phillies are willing to outbid everyone for Ohtani, an extension for Harper should come easily from John Middleton. /sarc
Bart Harley Jarvis
@sn0048,
Oopsy, I forgot to wrap my comment up with a ‘/whimsy’. Apologies for the confusion.
TrillionaireTeamOperator
We will never know. It’ll be announced that he has signed for 20 years/$1.1 billion with a mystery team and we will never know which team. He’ll pitch and hit in a blank uniform without crowds and with the other players wearing luchadores masks/outfits and his team will be blanked out and we will find out he’s playing for Major League Baseball- the league itself.
bigowe
Love this!
kodion
Ohtani’s contract figures to be about 30-40% awesome …and 60-70% buyers remorse (from fans of THE team, of course).
I hope my team gets most of the awesome!
johndietz
I really hope it’s not the Angels
jdgoat
I’m hearing that it’s Shotime in Canada
3768902
He’ll be paid billions to be the face of a new baseball league in Saudi Arabia.
D*ckin the dog
I say ol faithful signs back with the Angels and finally takes them back to the promise lands…the playoffs
Deez Cardinals
Hasn’t taken them to a wild card yet???? Not happening.
carllafong
Oh, to be young and naive!
johndietz
If they resign him, it’ll be another 10 years minimum for us to get back to winning
Deez Cardinals
1. Dodgers
2. Angels
3. Cardinals ( just kidding ) Blue jays the real 3.
Winner will be not the Cubs lmao……
The Dodgers
orange2001
I’d switch your #3 with your #1.
LFGMets (Metsin7) #ConsistentlyBannedBaseballExpert
Realistically, he shouldn’t get paid anymore than what Judge got. Just about the same production and similar injury histories. Ohtani might not even pitch ever again. If he gets paid more than 400 million then thats a mistake. I’m not even a GM and I know this. Goodluck to whatever owner that basically gives away 600 million dollars for nothing, hope you can sleep at night after that
drasco036
Realistically he absolutely should and will. The Cubs won’t sign him but absolutely should. The influx in cash would be huge for the Cubs, someone said tickets and merch is 30-80 million, however the Cubs own 100% of marquee which means you can easily double that number.
I think the Jays put up the highest bid but will have to outbid everyone else by a lot.
bhambrave
I’d love to see him in Atlanta, but that’s not AA’s MO. He won’t offer a contract that has $250M of dead money on the back end.
Dread Pirate Roberts
No doubt it will be the biggest contract in North American sports history… but,for how long? Anybody got any guesses who tops Ohtani’s deal?
jolink65
I doubt anyone will top it (depending on how much he winds up getting) for a long time because I think there will be some serious buyer’s remorse when he hits his late 30s, his performance declines and his team would be on the hook for potentially more than $50+ million annually.
Teams hand those deals out knowing the back half is going to hurt, but it hurts more when they get to that back half and you have to run that player out there everyday because of what he’s getting paid.
The Saber-toothed Superfife
The salaries are titillating but I believe the general public has had enough.
We all know they are over paid. We all know rich people are filthy rich and spend money frivolousy.
We are INSULTED ENOUGH ALREADY…..
Mets6986??
CJ Stroud
Chicks dig bunting
Could it be the giants. Late bid over the la dodgers
AmericanRedneck
Imagine the Yankee hate if they swooped in and signed him. C’mon Cash!
carllafong
What happens if he stays with the Angels? No one sees that as a possibility? The ANgels seem to think so. But then again they thought signing Rendon to a $38M a year deal was a good idea.
bigowe
This would be about right, to extend the dullest of dull offseasons. All players: back to your old clubhouses!
CaseyAbell
It’s me. I just paid Ohtani a billion bucks to play for the local softball team. I figure the marketing opportunities are out of this world.
JerseyShoreScore
It seems pretty clear looking at the circumstantial evidence. It appears that Ohtani will fly to and arrive in Toronto by 5 pm Toronto time. Dinner and a quick tour of the facilities, the announcement should come around 8 or 9 pm Eastern Time that he is a Toronto Blue Jay!
Old York
He’s signing with the Mariners.
kws001
Would love to see that! Jerry’s poker face would be the stuff of legends, but I think he’s staying in LA and signing with the Dodgers.
Ben10
That’s what I’m hearing too. 1-year $65M. I’ll believe it when I see it though.
Digdugler
$65M DH? seems like a poor use of funds for a financially conscious team
KyleT
“seems like a poor use of funds for a financially conscious team”
Yes and no.
By Threshold numbers: Yes, it would be a tough pill to swallow, while also bringing in support around him.
By Sales numbers: No, increased ticket sales, jerseys, tons of publicity, etc, 65M would be made back easily.
Brew88
Mystery team Padres. Seidler’s last wish
dvmin98
Preller gonna Prell
JV
Boston sneaks in the window and steals him secretly for 10/575
Mets6986??
It’s already over 600 mil. Why would they sneak in and pay less?
mlbdodgerfan2015
And of course you do have proof of that, right? Or are you referring to tweets from insiders that have connections? We have no idea at this point.
Mets6986??
Besides the reporting from people in the know. We have some idea.
mlbdodgerfan2015
Actual dollars and length of contracts are often very different than what is thrown out. People in the know are not always really in the know.
schwender
It’s probably obvious to everyone but the Orioles won’t take on multi-year contracts with the ownership situation up in the air. Which is kind of a drag.
WonderBoy
BRAVES
Wrian Washman
Anything but the Blue Jays please *fingers crossed*
fre5hwind
Why
bhambrave
He’s a Yankees fan.
fre5hwind
Oh
soxshortstop
Dark horse – Chaim Breslow will strike! lol
S_man_2014
we can only dream
Wagner>Cobb
T’would be funny if Yamamoto jumped ahead and made his announcement first just to be “that guy”.
Quaesitor
It would be interesting, but very un-Japanese. Yamamoto would never upstage an older and highly respected Japanese icon like Ohtani.
Wrian Washman
Division rivals
KyleT
Shohei Ohtani 2024: Vegas Odds
Team—-Odds—-Implied Probability
LAD—–+150——40.0%
Tor——+325——-23.5%
SFG—–+350——22.2%
LAA—–+500——16.7%
ChiC—–+750——11.8%
Field—-+2500——3.9%
Anyone got some insider info? Nows the time to share it.
Quaesitor
Flight Tracker info of a Santa Ana to Toronto private jet flight today. Same type of jet Ohtani has used before.
KyleT
Toronto is the first team that jumped to my mind when someone said he’s doing a 1 year/65M contract. Toronto would make a killing on merchandising his name.
MFTR
Doesn’t MLB merchandise revenue sharing mean that only merch sold at the stadium goes 100% to team?
haighwiser
This could also wind up being the biggest bust signing in MLB history
S_man_2014
Damn Yankees!
KyleT
Soto, Torres, Stanton, Judge (when not healthy).
Yankees have plenty of DHs already. They need pitching.
BravesNomad
Braves sneak in with a monster offer of 12/552 at 46AAV. Could actually be doable, fingers crossed! I even bought some stock to help make it happen! Go BRAVES
PhilliesFan91
AA doesn’t spend big money like that
BravesNomad
He’s never had “THAT” target until now either, just sayin- “it could happen”.
Mets6986??
That’s below his current offers.
BravesNomad
Reported by whom exactly?
dirtyjog
I don’t know why, but I have a strange feeling that someone – Texas, Boston, Baltimore – is about to come in off the top rope and break the internet.
Scott B2
A week ago I would have never said this, but do not count Boston out. The Soto signing needs to be countered. Breslow needs a splash. Sale is gone after this season.. Ohthani has said he doesn’t like the chance of injury on artificial turf.. He’s friends with Yoshida and could easily lure Yamamoto.
Yazmyhero
Now wouldn’t that just be the bees knees!
RedFraggle
As an O’s fan, I think that is unlikely, especially with the purported attempt to sell the team.
jeff Horton
Breslow needs to make a splash. He needs Ohtani or yamamoto
PhilliesFan91
That’s what I want to see , Yamamoto in Boston so the yankees don’t get him plus Ohtani is going to the jays imo
dirtyjog
Agree, they need to back up the Brinks truck for Yamamoto. This team is perpetually in need of starting pitching and there’s a 25 y/o #2 (at worst) there for the taking. In some ways he’s just as unique an opportunity as Ohtani
PhilliesFan91
I really hope the jays get him
Chooch Ruiz
RIP Ralph Cirella. Bye for now
Tom the ray fan
Rays 15yr 675 million
Mets6986??
And trade him at the break for the Dodgers farm system.
Tom the ray fan
Lmao yup exactly
UncommonSense
Giants make the most sense to me. They need him the most.
PhilliesFan91
As long as the dodgers don’t get him I don’t care where he goes but I won’t be shocked if he’s back with the angels
UncommonSense
A desire to play in the playoffs might hinder him going back to the Angels, or even to the Giants for that matter. The Dodgers and Blue Jays are much more consistently in the playoffs these days.
PhilliesFan91
The dodgers imo would be a mistake plus they don’t even need him , they need pitching. I think the jays would be the perfect spot. If the angels don’t get him back , they could somehow sweep in and get Yamamoto. I think all those times with Trout & Ohtani , they didn’t have enough pitching plus the injuries always came.
JerseyShoreScore
Doubtful that Friedman is thinking much about 2024 pitching needs when investing a half-billion plus in a decade long contract. Plus, it is widely known that the Dodgers have budgeted money for at least one premium starter and a second tier starter.
dodgerfan
I think the same thing….living in Giants territory, fan are not happy with the teams performance. They need him in a big way
Salzilla
Eff Stanton, eff Soto, go get him Yanks!
*not happening, but favorite player x favorite team would be a dream…oh well…I’ll always have fantasy baseball.
Shawn W.
Huge surprise to me if it’s not the Dodgers
Cardinals Fan 13
Arson Ohtahni to the Giants confirmed!
DCartrow
“Imminent” doesn’t mean inaminute.
He signs next Wednesday.
Poolhalljunkies
Just read ohtani played high school ball with kikuchi…another toronto connection
rightwingrick
Great friends with Ichiro in Seattle, too.
John Bird
And Ichiro loved playing for Melvin. And on and on…
titanic struggle
So you’re sayin the Reds have a chance…
Eovaldismemes
Sadly he stays in Cali for sure, Giants or Dodgers are my guess 🙁
The Former Player
It’s almost as if people have forgotten that the aging, recent surgery patient Ohtani turns 30 during next season (all of his MLB youth is already gone) and won’t have the chance to be a 2 way player again until the season he turns 31. And who knows how long he will even be able to do that anymore. The Ohtani contract is already one of the worst in MLB history and it hasn’t even been signed yet- it could easily end up being the very worst contract of all time. Whatever team is stupid enough to sign him, enjoy all those sub 4 WAR seasons coming their way- and the best he will do in 2024 is around 5 WAR and it will most likely end up being more like 3-4 WAR- it could be even worse, considering Ohtani leaving the dim light of Anaheim, combined with the pressure of the contract, combined with his aging. Never seen an approaching contract more likely to end up being one of the worst, if not the very worst of all time more than the situation with Ohtani.
Redfish Time
I agree. Great player, but it’s nearly impossible to think he’ll play up to the overall value of his contract. It’ll be even worse if he never pitches again.
whyhayzee
Admiral Yamamoto said after Pearl Harbor, “I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and filled him with a terrible resolve.”
So I think it’s been resolved to be the Giants.
Catuli Carl
But the Japanese battle cry was “Tora! Tora! Tora!” which means Tiger, so Ohtani to Detroit confirmed.
whyhayzee
Aaah, you sunk my battleship. Dang.
Catuli Carl
Lol
bhambrave
Or is Tora short for Toronto?
Armaments216
This guy sounds pretty good. Surprised he doesn’t get more press.
samtb13
Mariners 1 year $65,000,000 … we’re so excited here in Seattle! I thought you guys already knew??
Catuli Carl
Dipoto will flip him at the deadline.
Old York
@samtb13
I already know. He’s signing with the Mariners for 3 years with opt outs in year 2 & 3.
Sherm623
差し迫った
orange2001
My gut feeling tells me he’s signing with Toronto.
Old York
orange2001
He’s said before that he doesn’t like pitching at Yankee stadium so why would he go to a team where they play more games at Yankee stadium and he’ll have to pitch more frequently there?
KyleT
If he signs in Toronto, it would be a 1yr/65M deal. There would be no pitching in Yankee Stadium, but lots of HRs.
Old York
@RedStockings
Big money for a DH. Maybe I’d pay that if every hit was a guaranteed HR or triple.
mlbdodgerfan2015
Why would Ohtani want to do a one year deal? He’d be a year older and while he would be able to pitch in 2025 in theory it could be a down year due to recovery and being rusty. I understand that by pitching and hitting it could create greater value but that should already be imbedded in the long-term contracts being offered up. Way too much downside risk for him to do a one year or short-term deal.
KyleT
“Why would Ohtani want to do a one year deal?”
“I understand that by pitching and hitting it could create greater value”
——————————————-
I’d say you answered your own question.
mlbdodgerfan2015
That can only be figured out after a year? We’re not sophisticated enough to give him a lower value for one season where he doesn’t pitch and a greater value when he does? Doubt Ohtani signed for a year. I’d bet the house on that.
KyleT
Ohtani’s agent doesnt want to neatly “figure out” anything. He wants a bidding war.
There are many teams that will be in a deal next year that arent this year. As a Dodger fan, sure you guys are ready to figure it out and pay accordingly right now. By waiting a year, and being able to immediately pitch, he will have many more suitors. Teams such as the Yankees, Red Sox and many more would be much more interested. Thus the bidding war would include every team from this year plus several more who want immeditate pitching help.
So while the Dodgers want a neat long-term contract, its not a slam dunk for the agent.
mlbdodgerfan2015
Waiting a year won’t really solve anything. He’ll be ready to pitch the following year but until he throws that first pitch nobody knows. Look at Dustin May. He came back next year and right back to another surgery. Nothing is certain. The uncertainty and being one year older far outweighs trying to get “full market value”. Plus, everyone knows his injury history. That’s not going to change. It’s still very sketchy going forward and likely will need at least one more major surgery or get to a point where he won’t be able to pitch.
It’s not about what the Dodgers want. They can want all they want. It’s what Ohtani and his agent will take. And I’ll guarantee you it’s not a one year or short term contract. This is his last contract.
KyleT
“It’s what Ohtani and his agent will take.”
Exactly, thats why Im not understanding why your not seeing the benefits of waiting a year. Several atheletes have done this in the past, Carlos Correa, Lebron James, etc.
Here is why Otani may want a 1 year deal:
1) He’s not getting the number he expected in FA this year
2) Several big spending teams have shown little or no interest
3) He’ll be able to sell himself as both a pitcher and hitter.
-Lets say Ohtani is looking at only $500M (below expectations)
-A mystery team is offering 1 Year at $75.
-Next year Ohtani can be promoted as an SP and Hitter
-Next year more big spending teams will certainly be involved.
-A Minus is if he has a poor year. He may get less.
-Injury Insurance is definitely bought.
I’d say its a smart move. Make $500 on long-term contract right now. Or, create a bigger bidding war next year and hope to make $625 in total.
Im not saying its going to happen, Im just saying its a smart move.
mlbdodgerfan2015
Here is the thing you are just guessing and have zero idea what is going on in closed doors. It is your assumption that he’s not getting market value. If he was fully healthy today would Ohtani get a bigger contract? Sure, but we don’t know by how much.
BTW, many big spending teams are not interested because it’s way too much to pay one player that much money. And him being a severe injury risk as a pitcher is not going to change that.
Also, by waiting another year you’re not likely to get a much higher contract. He won’t be pitching in 2024. Is he closer to pitching again in 2025? Yes. But there is nothing to go by on how his rehab will work out. Until he actually starts pitching in 2025 we won’t know. What, are you going to give him another 1 or 2 year deal.
This is all fine and dandy but no agent would advise on Ohtani taking such a deal unless there was absolutely no market for him. We’re just guessing here but looks like a contract will likely be well north of $500mm. What agent would tell a client to pass on that? None including his current agent.
Lots of things could go bad by taking a short-term deal. He could not only have a down year but he could get injured as a DH. There could be injury insurance. But guess what, on such an expensive player it’s not going to be cheap.
You can live in your theoretical fantasy world but it will be a long-term deal because the alternative doesn’t favor Ohtani and his agent.
Lastly, when you’re set to make $550mm you think you care if you could make more than $600mm with risk? It’s one thing if it was arbitrage, but obviously plenty of downside risk.
KyleT
“Here is the thing you are just guessing and have zero idea what is going on in closed doors:
——————–
Which is why I used works like why, may and lets say.
“Here is why Otani may want a 1 year deal:”
“Lets say Ohtani is looking at only $500M”
Im not “guessing”. Those are called Hypothetical Situations which may be happening. Which would create a logical 1 year contract scenario.
You’re just changing what Im saying just to be argumentative.
Good Bye.
Ted
Jays would play 13 games against NYY each year, 6 or 7 of which would be in NY. He might start there never, once, or twice a season.
If he signs with LA he has the same issue with Colorado.
Old York
@Ted
I don’t remember him saying he doesn’t like pitching in Coors.
Ted
Nobody likes pitches in Coors.
Old York
@Ted
Let me introduce you to German Marquez.
gfan
I don’t even like pitchers of Coors. Watered down jive.
AmericanRedneck
Old York, yes in years past they played more games with intra-division foes, but I believe MLB balanced the schedule this past season, and going forward out where they play each team in the league equally. Making that argument moot.
Fenway 1
Breslow gonna make it happen!!!
KyleT
Hope not. That would be terrible. Yamamoto is the guy you should be routing for. Not another DH for a team that already has 3.
HighOnPineTar
@RedStockings this tired take is so naive.. only 1 team will win the WS in 2024, but guess what, there’s baseball again in 2025. Ohtani isn’t signing a 1 year deal, this is the one shot to get the biggest and most unique superstar the sport has ever seen.
KyleT
Ohtani is a marketing signing not a baseball talent signing. That contract will not generate baseball value worth $600M.
For the same money, I’d prefer the Red Sox sign Bellinger, Yamamoto, Montgomery. Their contracts combined equal roughly what Ohtani will make.
Sure, Im the “naive” one, because I want players that translate to wins instead of jersey sales.
Seaver rules
Hasn’t it always been the Dodgers? He doesn’t have to move, continues to get his food at his favorite spots, girlfriend doesn’t have to leave LA and make new friends and his beloved dog stays comfortable in his home. Plays in October every year. Makes sense.
PhilliesFan91
Playing in October but early playoff exits. Dodgers really don’t need him , they need like 2 or 3 starters over Ohtani
dh4all
The Dodgers have fading stars, except Mookie, and a mediocre manager. The Diamondbacks have a young, strong team with good pitching and a great manager. The Angels have Trout and Ron Washington.
JerseyShoreScore
Trout rarely plays and Washington is so old, that there is zero chance he will be the Angel’s manager for more than a couple years. In fact, it is unlikely that Washigton (with his known life choices) will even be alive at the end of Ohtani’s deal.
dasit
legacy is important to him. he would be a national hero if he put the blue jays over the top. plus he rakes at rogers center and the dome reminds him of japan
Busterking
To be honest I would be 100% surprised if he doesn’t pick the Dodgers.
PhilliesFan91
I hope he goes to the jays or stays with the angels
LordD99
I’m trying to construct a scenario where he’d return to the Angels. Maybe an opt out after year two with a record-setting AAV in those two years? Comfort level is important to him also. Yet, nah. Not happening!
SupremeZeus
Law of parsimony. The lords of flatbush.
tbfern
The Rays shipped Vidal Brujan out to make room for Ohtani in the outfield. #notadelusionalRaysfan
drasco036
I really hope Ohtani signs with the Giants (although I don’t know why any player would) and the Dodgers go stupid for Yamamoto. That would be the best case scenario for Cub fans.
I.M. Insane
Would like to see him end up with the Cubs, but I hugely doubt it will happen. Unfortunately, he’ll probably be California-bound.
desertdawg
Othani signs with
1. Blue Jays
2 Angels
3 Dodgers
benhen77
He’s taking his talents to South Beach
DeanGleesack
Mystery Team could easily be San Diego. Selling Points Below:
– Yu Darvish (Fellow Japan) Signed through 2028
– Padres Off-loaded Salary to make room for a bid while remaining under Luxury Tax
– Padres move Soto and Grisham to knowing they can replace their offense with Ohtani’s Offense
– Padres still need SP
– SD has direct flights to Japan
This one belongs to the Reds
He decided to get another beer.
mang
Dodger!
haighwiser
My money is the Angels or Dbacks being a mystery team. This whole negotiation was kept super quiet and that would boost the Dbacks to the best team in the west. Arizona also has a history for making some surprises in the offseason. It’s not very common but they do have a few under their belt.
dh4all
I think Shohei would be a happy Diamondback or Angel or Blue Jay, but not a Giant, Ranger or Dodger.
showman
Breaking: Ohtani signs with Mets , 16 years 720 million American dollars. Full no trade, no opt-outs
Murphy NFLD
I know the jays play in canada but there contracts are all in American dollars to, aswell as all Canadian hockey teams
Bluestar5000
He will be signing with a mystery team — the Hoboken Zephyrs
crise
Nope, WNBA all the way, Can you imagine how dominant he could be?
I.M. Insane
No way. The Zephyrs just extended Casey for 6 years at 300MM.
Longtimecoming
It’s Juan Soto to the Yankees all over again!
Redfish Time
Ranger fan here. I still say Seattle. Publicly they talk about being broke but I think they still make the most sense. Ohtani makes SEA legit WS contenders. Their lineup is then stacked and makes for a great combo with JRod. The Rangers proved that two superstars can carry a team to a title. Adding Ohtani does the same thing for the Mariners with already elite pitching.
Poolhalljunkies
I dont see why proximity to japan is important..first hes so rich hes not flying commercial..so..direct flights? Lol really..also during the season its not like he would have time to fly to japan anyway if hes playing every day..and in the offseason what does an extra few hours matter?
gfan
No extra hours.
He’ll be able to afford his own Concorde jet pretty soon.
good vibes only
The ol Friday Night News Dump
lilojbone
The Springfield Isotopes
I.M. Insane
Yankees.
Lee Harvey Oddball
I don’t care.
YardGrinch50
The Rangers are going to come out of nowhere and sign him with an incentive laden deal.
Go Go Power Rangers
I hope not
JPopp9
Thats not how baseball contracts work.
HBRC1987
I can’t wait to stop hearing about this guy.
rightwingrick
Seattle. They are always BIG spenders for the top talent they need in free agency.
Long history of being very aggressive in trying to win it all, never hesitate to put it all on the line,
Truly understand the marketing value and return on investment when signing only the top tier talent available. Take 2023, for instance, when the pennant was theirs for the taking.
Yes, that would be sarcasm.
The Big Yo
Does anyone actually care anymore. This is ridiculous
Go Go Power Rangers
The funny part is, so many are tired of hearing it and the one guy it’s about wants to keep it mum.
The Saber-toothed Superfife
I really DON’T CARE ANYMORE!
Poolhalljunkies
Thanks for sharing
Rsox
Maybe Ohtani and ESPN can get together for “The Decision II” to announce Shohei is taking his talents to South Beach…
Otto371
Mariners.
Ezpkns34
For entertainment value, I hope he ends up in Toronto. Boston being stuck in the cellar in that division for a bit is good for some laughs
Poolhalljunkies
A bit? They have been in the cellar 3 of the past 4 seasons..if boston in last is the other al east teams ticket to winning something they are totally failing as regardless what happens with ohtani or yamamoto the red sox will not be down much longer
Rumors2godsears
Ohtani chooses Toronto not because of the team but for that beautiful universal healthcare that will come in handy midway through his contract.
baked mcbride
Is he eligible for that if he isn’t a citizen of Canada? I know the folks up there are super nice for the most part, but that’s like SUPER NICE.
Rumors2godsears
Yeah he will be taxed on his salary so yes he will be eligible to get those benefits
Central Valley
Giants fans drinking already? It’s going to be a long, depressing weekend..
Nevrfolow
I can already hear Brandon Belt saying it took signing a guy like Shohei Ohtani for him to get bumped from a team.
VANTABLACK
I think the Giants know they can’t land him, actually don’t want to land him, and know that their perceived interest and financial ability is all just a tool to drive prices up and hurt the competition. Especially the Dodgers who are definitely the favorite.
orange2001
I’m sure the ‘winning’ team has already been informed of Ohtani’s decision. Especially if there is some sort of announcement today.
nicklepickers
Orioles swoop in with the deal!! Angelos gives Ohtani a billion, gets cheers from fans, then sells the team and tells Rubenstein to enjoy paying the tab. It’s a win-win!
Mrivers
Ohtani like Randy Newman, “He loves L.A.”
jade 2
He’s a Blue Jay. I can’t believe it.
acoss13
As a Cubs fan, I’m ready to be disappointed. Deep down I know the Dodgers or Blue Jays got him. I think it’s between those two teams.
Rickey O'Sunnyvale
This just in:
Blue Jays sign Ohtani. Dodgers pivot to Yamamoto, signing him with help from Hideo Nomo. Dodgers then trade for Burnes and Adames, sending Lux. Pepiot, others to Brewers.
Press conference at noon Pacific.
Anthony maresca
Dodgers are not going to outspend Mets or Yankees for Yamamoto, zero chance!
Poolhalljunkies
Theres actually a little chance
Halo11Fan
Ohtani is a sensational player, but he’s high maintenance. I wouldn’t be bummed if the Blue Jays sign him
Having to go with a six man rotation and locking up the DH spot does take its toll.
Go Go Power Rangers
Sir, you are coping.
Halo11Fan
I’ve thought long and hard about that…. I don’t think I am.
I’m well aware of Aesop’s sour grapes. I’m not going to be thrilled or bummed if he signs with the Angels.
Longtimecoming
I think the general belief is that the Dodgers conduct last year was to set themselves up for Ohtani. Maybe a guy they didn’t go after, etc.
So now, if they don’t get him, what does that say about the failed plan? Also, what is their next move – desperation for signing Yam, Belli, Montgomery etc.?
I won’t mind if they get him. $100 mil locked into just 3 guys has to have limitations attached elsewhere.
blueblood1217
I unfortunately don’t think he signs with the Dodgers. I’d love it if he did, but think he’s going to Toronto
Roughed Odor
Basically Morosi took the timetable that we were already aware of which is Sunday at the latest and since we are one day closer to that day called it Imminent. Could be today but it could also be tomorrow or Sunday still. Morosi is one of my favourites but this is just pointing out to obvious.
John Bird
At least then the media won’t spend all day talking about how there’s nothing to talk about.
Oddball Hererra
I would wager that the Soto trade caused the Jays to add another few large wads of money to their offer and they’ll come out on top
Chicks dig bunting
Let’s the tax rate in these states and in Canada but do they pay tax in Canada idk
Chicks dig bunting
Oh yeah I can otan ti and the prime Minister Trudeau goes ok I’ll show you my bedroom. That’s the special treatment ohtani you get buddy
eddiemurraysafro
Mike Trout isn’t getting traded; Ohtani to the Dodgers. All this other talk is window dressing
Smacky
Clearly it’s one of the Florida teams, my money is on the Rays.
Wellthisshouldbeinteresting
If he goes to the blow jays he’ll be right back in the same boat he was in with the Angels.
RobM
I suspect he’ll have an opt out after year two if he’s going to the Jays.
disgustingomar
I’m over This diva already.. don’t even care where he goes just sign so rest of off-season can move along.
braves95 2
Atta boy Ohtani!
Those bloggers need to sack up. Let the man go about his decision however he wants
dasit
bet the house on toronto (5 words i never thought i would utter)
aragon
CBS Sports reported that the Dodgers asked the lip guy to give up #17. Why the Dodgers?
Datashark
CBS sports is a Dodger fanatic site, most of their writers favor dodgers in almost every article
Longtimecoming
Ok it’s clear what has happened. He agreed to sign with SF but the medicals showed that he needs TJ surgery so they voided contract and all of this is testing over from ground zero!
Datashark
Seattle welcomes Ohtani.
they cleared much needed capspace
PKVA
That is funny…
towinagain
Yankees of course
PKVA
They are not even meeting with Ohtani…
Mikey P
I just want to be the idiot who gets to put Wow! At the top of the article that says where he signs.
Shoot. I better go refresh
Liberalsteve
Wow. CUBSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
mlb.com/2023/12/shoheiohtani/3454444.com
Chicks dig bunting
Word out of Chicago the cubs GM and owner had a meeting with ohtina and his reps. I hope not we don’t need him. Come on giants get in there
VegasSDfan
Dodgers 14/590
RobM
A private jet is being tracked that took off from Anaheim and scheduled to land in Toronto at 4:30, according to MLBN. Yes, we’re now at this level!
User 2079935927
I remember being at Disneyland in line for Space Mountain when Ohtani chose the Angels. Personally. I’d be happy if he chooses the Angels again. But I would hate I if he chose the Dodgers.
bumptiousrex
Saudis to announce his signing and the formation of a new Saudi Baseball Association
PKVA
Now that is truly funny…
PKVA
As a Giants fan, the #1 target for me is Yamamoto. He is the must get to pair with Webb. Then use the money that would be potentially wasted on Ohtani (waste because it would suck up all the rest of their money to really rebuild this team) on Bellinger and the Korean OF Lee. The two go in The OF to match up with lefties Conforto and Yaz and righties Haniger and Slater and splitting up DH duties.
PKVA
Haniger and Slater both need to pick up first baseman mitts as well…
CyTobb
Padres will sign him as the mystery team.
Irishblade
I voted mystery team. I think Seattle is in this race (probably not) which explains their recent moves.
genre99
“Cloak and dagger”
dirtyjog
Plot twist, Kolten Wong is on the jet that we’re all watching. Wong to Toronto, 1 yr/$6M
chippersmoltz
Everything Morosi says should be ignored
Friarguy19
I’m sure he’s a helluva guy, but if he isn’t in San Diego, and he won’t be, seeing him three times a year is enough for me
User 2079935927
////////////////////////////////////////Breaking News////////////////////////////////////
The announced they’ve hired Billy Eppler to a non binding contract. If Ohtani signs with another team he’s fired.
jpdodgerfan
Welp…
franklinstubbsghost
Please decide already. Endless months of media speculation have left me suffering with Shohei fatigue.
giantwarrioras49ersraiders
Toronto has great players why would he choose somewhere else especially if sf struck out after winning 3 World Series and still had core guys… he is a blue jay now
Dotnet22
6 hours laaaateeerr…….
gfan
Yoshinobu Tsutsugo just signed with SFG.
He will play Interpreter.
DodgerBlue23
Ohtani to Spiders! 7yrs/900mil!
Enregistre
Steve Adams really needs to learn how to use commas. There should never be one before “either” and if you use “and” to start a sentence, there shouldn’t be one after it.
HBRC1987
You really need to get out more.
Enregistre
There was no need to make this personal. Doing so just makes you look worse, beyond not having respect for the English language.
HBRC1987
ohtani obviously will sign with the Giants. I am hearing lots of chatter that it is happening. 10 years $500 mil contract is all but signed.