The biggest storyline of the MLB offseason is Shohei Ohtani’s free-agency and where exactly he will end up.
The two-way phenom is expected to sign a record-breaking deal … That fact alone eliminates the majority of the league from serious consideration.
The usual big-market contenders are said to interested.
However, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Ohtani is not interested in taking his talents to the bright lights of Broadway.
“There’s a belief that Ohtani isn’t interested in playing for the New York Mets or Yankees,” Heyman reported.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have long been looked upon as the favorites to sign Ohtani – and Heyman reports that is still the case.
“The incumbent Angels are interested, as are the Padres,” he added.
https://t.co/byHcTYUEYT. Friday MLB notes: Rival execs see Dodgers getting Ohtani. Notes on Bellinger, Chapman, Soto, Lee, Kiermaier. Altuve, Alonso, more
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 10, 2023
In other words, the rumor that Ohtani is only interested in playing for a west coast team is most likely true.
“Padres GM A.J. Preller has little interest in trading Juan Soto and will look into a long-term contract (although that’s a long shot). While Soto isn’t likely to be traded now, that could change if the Padres sign Ohtani,” Heyman continued.
“The Yankees, Mets and other big-market teams will check on Ohtani, but some believe he’s reluctant to live in New York (or he was six years ago anyway).”
Of those major-market east-coast teams, you know the Yankees, Mets and Red Sox would love to have Ohtani – for both on-field and off-field reasons … However, you get the sense that when push comes to shove, Ohtani prioritizes comfort over the almighty dollar.
Heyman still thinks Ohtani will get $500M in free agency 💰 pic.twitter.com/WUSnJp45rF
— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) November 9, 2023
Where do you think Ohtani will end up?
What type of contract do you think he’s deserving of?
Is he the best player in all of baseball???