In the midst of the annual Winter Meetings at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville, the baseball world is abuzz with one question: Where will Shohei Ohtani sign?
Ohtani, a two-time American League Most Valuable Player and a two-way superstar, is at the center of the offseason speculation. The prevailing belief has been that he might join the Los Angeles Dodgers, just 30 miles up I-5 from his current team, the Los Angeles Angels. However, recent reports suggest that the Toronto Blue Jays and the Angels remain strong contenders.
While it was assumed Ohtani might leave the Angels in search of a team with better championship prospects, sources indicate that a reunion with the Angels remains possible. Owner Arte Moreno values Ohtani’s contributions on and off the field and believes the pitcher-hitter could be swayed by familiarity and comfort in Anaheim.
New Angels manager Ron Washington added to the intrigue during his media appearance by declining to comment on the Ohtani sweepstakes, hinting at undisclosed developments.
The Blue Jays have also entered the Ohtani sweepstakes, though it’s unclear if Ohtani is open to the idea of moving to the Eastern Time Zone or to Canada.
One thing is certain: Ohtani’s free agency decision is having a significant ripple effect on the baseball market. Free agents like Cody Bellinger and Matt Chapman are unlikely to sign until Ohtani makes his choice. Similarly, the trade market, particularly regarding players like Juan Soto, hinges on Ohtani’s decision.
Originally expected to conclude during the Winter Meetings, Ohtani’s free agency could extend into the following week and possibly beyond.
Another prominent free agent, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, a three-time Sawamura Award winner and Pacific League MVP, is also biding his time before signing with a Major League club. Yamamoto has attracted interest from several teams, including the Yankees, Mets, Giants, Blue Jays, Dodgers, and Cubs, with expectations of a contract exceeding $200 million. His decision will have a cascading impact on the market, affecting pitchers like Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery, as well as teams with star pitchers to trade.
Returning to the Major Leagues is Erick Fedde, who pitched for the Nationals from 2017-2022. He is nearing a two-year deal worth at least $5 million per season, with potential destinations being the White Sox or the Mets. After a successful stint in the KBO, Fedde has garnered significant interest, and his return could mirror the paths of pitchers like Merrill Kelly and Chris Flexen, who also thrived after playing in Korea.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa is currently a hot commodity, with several teams expressing interest in him. The 28-year-old is versatile, capable of playing multiple positions, and is exploring his options, considering starting roles at shortstop or third base, as well as a super-utility role. Kiner-Falefa’s multi-year deal is anticipated in the near future.
Lobby chatter at the Winter Meetings reveals that Kiké Hernandez is a sought-after center fielder for playoff-caliber teams in need of solid defense. Cody Bellinger’s free agency is expected to be protracted, with the outfielder seeking a contract comparable to Brandon Nimmo’s eight-year, $162 million deal with the Mets last year. Additionally, insiders suggest that the Atlanta Braves, despite acquiring several players, might have another significant move in the works, as GM Alex Anthopoulos remains active in the market.