Jason Burgos
A top MLB insider believes that seven teams will likely be fighting it out to win the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes this winter, and the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Angels are not a part of that group.
MLB is in the early stages of this year’s playoffs, however, that won’t stop fans and media from looking ahead to free agency this winter. Especially since MVP candidate and baseball unicorn Shohei Ohtani will hit the market and likely land a historic contract.
For months there has been speculation about which teams have the strongest chance to persuade the Japanese superstar into bringing his unique talents to their city. From the start, the Los Angeles Dodgers have been seen as a major contender in the chase. The New York Mets are also believed to have a chance since they have the richest owner in the sport.
The New York Yankees are another name that has been tossed into the Shohei Ohtani free-agent discourse. However, one notable MLB insider believes that while the Dodgers and Mets should be in the chase, the Yankees are unlikely to be among the teams that actually have serious talks with the three-time All-Star.
- Shohei Ohtani stats (2023): .304 AVG, .412 OBP, .654 SLG, 44 HR, 95 RBI, 102 R
Mets, Mariners, and Dodgers among 7 likely Shohei Ohtani contenders this winter
During a recent appearance on Draft Kings’ “Baseball is Dead” podcast, ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan explained why Ohtani is not looking forward to the free agent process and will want to get it over with quickly. That is why he will only talk to the teams with a real chance and he listed those franchises.
“He doesn’t want to deal with free agency. So why would he want to do it again? I will give you the teams that I think will actually be in [the hunt]. The Mets are going to be in it. I think the Red Sox are going to be in it. I think the Cubs are going to be in it. I think the Rangers are going to be in it. I think the Dodgers are going to be in it. I think the Giants are going to be in it and I think the Mariners are going to be in it.”
– Jeff Passan
As you can see, the New York Yankees and his current team the Los Angeles Angels were omitted from the list. There is a belief that Ohtani is not interested in playing on the East Coast, but the chance to make obscene money from the Mets may be hard to turn down. While the Angels’ losing history with him on the roster has likely soured Ohtani on a return to the franchise after this season.
