Set to become a free agent following the season, the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes will be just about as exciting as the MLB postseason.
There’s fading hope among Angels fans that he could possibly stay in Anaheim, especially since it looks like fellow superstar Mike Trout will be.
However, according to MLB Insider Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports & The Athletic, the race for Ohtani’s services will likely come down to two national league clubs.
Appearing on “Foul Territory,” Rosenthal said the Los Angeles Dodgers (who are considered the early favorites to sign Ohtani) will certainly be in the hunt.
Joining them, according to Rosenthal, will be the New York Mets – thanks in large part to the deep pockets of their billionaire owner.
“I do not rule out the Mets. I cannot see Steve Cohen simply passing on Shohei Ohtani,” Rosenthal said.
Ken Rosenthal says he thinks the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes comes down to the Mets and Dodgers. pic.twitter.com/DNdwZCEWSc
— Mike Mayer (@mikemayer22) September 26, 2023
Ohtani is considered by most people to be the best player in all of baseball.
He is expected to receive a record-breaking contract – possibly north of $500 million (which of course eliminates most clubs from consideration).
The Mets will be looking to rebound from what has been a disastrously disappointing season.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers have made a habit of going after big-name, big-price free agents. They have in many ways become the “new” New York Yankees.
“The Yankees, I don’t see them doing this. They already have two $35 million-plus players. They can do it, of course, but, as I’ve said before, every contender, every wanna-be contender, should be in the mix for Shohei Ohtani,” Rosenthal said.
He also mentioned the San Francisco Giants, Texas Rangers, and Seattle Mariners as “at least possibilities” for Ohtani.
“I still think it comes down to LA versus New York. The Dodgers versus the Mets,” Rosenthal concluded.
Who do you think will end up landing Ohtani?
What do you think his contract will end up looking like?