Shohei Ohtani could reportedly decide his next team today, with a number of MLB teams battling it out for the two-way superstar’s signature this offseason.
Ohtani is baseball’s most coveted free agent following the expiry of his contract with the Los Angeles Angels, where he developed into one of the league’s standout players over the past five years.
Though despite the Angels throwing their name in the ring to re-sign him, DailyMail.com revealed on Thursday that the Toronto Blue Jays are the current favorites to sign LA’s now-former player.
The Los Angeles Dodgers, the San Francisco Giants, the Chicago Cubs and the Seattle Mariners have also been linked with Ohtani.
According to MLB Network reporter Jon Morosi, a decision on the 29-year-old’s future is ‘imminent’ and could be made as early as Friday.
Shohei Ohtani could decide his next team today, with a number of MLB teams in the race
The Toronto Blue Jays are believed to be leading the race to sign the two-way superstar
While there are many different variables at play when it comes to signing with a Canadian team – money being one of them – it is believed that Ohtani’s desire to win is one of the main reasons he is swaying towards the Blue Jays.
‘He feels that Toronto will be able to compete for years to come and he would be a beacon for other free agents to join him to create a winning team,’ a source told Mail Sport. ‘And he would also be able to live life out of the constant LA limelight.’
And while there is some familiarity with the state of California after playing for the Angels since moving to North America, playing for the Dodgers could prove to be daunting – as the player values his privacy.
He understands that the Dodgers will continue to remain in the mix for a World Series title, but the free agent also believes ‘there will be a lot of baggage that comes from being on that team and always having to be the star off the field while he is making his star continue to rise on the field.’
Since joining the Angels in 2018, Ohtani has been a star in Major League Baseball and has been likened to Babe Ruth for his two-way abilities.
Ohtani is attracted by Toronto’s lack of pressure like in LA and their ability to win now
He won AL Rookie of the Year in 2018 and the AL MVP award in 2021.
In 2023, Ohtani led the league in home runs, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, OPS, and total bases.
Despite initially being a dark horse in the race to sign him, Toronto now appears to be leading the way as Ohtani ponders his next move.
Last season, the Blue Jays made the AL Wild Card round before being swept by the Minnesota Twins.
