A Shohei Ohtani decision is getting closer.
The two-way phenom has met with a handful of teams throughout the offseason, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays and San Francisco Giants. While details of the meetings have been kept private, it appears Ohtani is ready to make a decision.
According to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, Ohtani is expected to decide where to sign prior to the end of the weekend.
Even though Ohtani will need elbow surgery to return to the mound in 2024, a $500 million contract is still anticipated for him. The 29-year-old is anticipated to return to pitching in 2025 and is still a hitter.
Ohtani is the Dodgers’ “top priority,” and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters on Tuesday that their meeting with him “went well.”
Ohtani played for the Los Angeles Angels for his first six MLB seasons. Even with him and Mike Trout in the lineup, the Angels were never able to qualify for the postseason. Ohtani said that his desire to win the MLB All-Star Game in 2023 is growing every year and that playing for the Dodgers would help him achieve that goal. He would also remain in Los Angeles, where he has lived for the previous six years.
Ohtani was reportedly linked to the Boston Red Sox, who at one point were considered a “real threat” to sign him. However, rumours have it that they’ve moved on to other players.
There’s no doubting Ohtani will immediately improve the lineup no matter where he signs.
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