Although the entire focus of the baseball world is on the playoffs, pretty soon all eyes will turn to the free-agency of two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani.
The Los Angeles Angels are hoping to retain their star player, but uncertainties surrounding their ability to build a competitive team have raised doubts about Ohtani’s future with the organization.
Speculation has intensified regarding a potential move to a team with a strong chance at the World Series, with the likes of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, and New York Yankees among the top contenders.
According to renowned Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez, Ohtani is likely to be scooped up by one of the MLB’s traditional large-market powerhouses.
Martinez, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, hinted at Ohtani’s potential destination during a conversation with Sports Illustrated’s Robin Lundberg.
“I think he’s gonna be playing in Boston,” Martinez said with a chuckle.
Pedro Martinez thinks Shohei Ohtani is going to be playing for the Red Sox in 2024.
🎥: @si_mlb pic.twitter.com/7f8jadWAQ2
— Tyler Milliken ⚾️ (@tylermilliken_) October 19, 2023
Others have speculated that the Red Sox are indeed serious players in the Ohtani race.
Some have cited his partnership with New Balance, which is headquartered in Boston, as being a major factor. (Although that seems like quite a stretch.)
Despite Ohtani’s recent setback due to a torn UCL in his right elbow, which required surgery and is expected to keep him away from pitching until 2025, the 29-year-old remains a major force as a hitter.
Ohtani led the American League this season with 44 home runs and a remarkable .416 on-base percentage, while also topping MLB with an exceptional slugging percentage of .654 and an OPS of 1.066.
Where do you think Ohtani will ultimately land??