Six years ago, the Chicago Cubs were one of seven finalists to sign Shohei Ohtani. Nobody knew the Japanese All-Star would later become the best player in baseball, winning AL MVP in 2021. We also didn’t know the National League was set to adopt the DH rule either. Who knows how things could have played out differently had the Cubs been allowed to offer Ohtani a contract that allowed him to pitch while operating as a DH when he’s not on the mound?
But now that Ohtani is entering MLB free agency, the Cubs are expected to pursue signing the two-way sensation once again.
Now armed with the ability to allow Ohtani to DH, along with new manager hiree Craig Counsell, perhaps there’s more interest in playing at the legendary Wrigley Field this time around.
Yet, the addition of Ohtani could lead to the ousting of another former MVP winner from the Cubs’ roster. Free agent Cody Bellinger is still expected to be a target for another contract in Chicago, but multiple sources close to the situation suggest there are better odds of the organization signing Ohtani than inking Bellinger to a lucrative long-term extension.
While Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer struck out in his attempt to sign Ohtani years ago, the club hopes for better luck this winter.