A pair of reports explain why the San Francisco Giants and Atlanta Braves have just as real a chance at signing two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani as wealthy franchises like the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees.
With the 2023 World Series in the rearview, much of the focus of the baseball world is now on MLB free agency which is set to get underway very soon. Unlike 2022, which featured superstar talents like Aaron Judge, Carlos Correa, and Xander Bogaerts being up for grabs, this year’s free-agent class is nowhere near as deep.
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However, this winter should still see the largest contract in MLB history handed out when Los Angeles Angels veteran Shohei Ohtani decides where he wants to play for the foreseeable future. Over the last few months, organizations like the Yankees, Mets, Dodgers, and even the World Series champion Rangers have all been suggested as serious suitors for the Japanese star.
Yet, Monday brought a very interesting tidbit from MLB Network league insider Jon Morosi. When explaining what Ohtani is looking for and the franchises with the best chances he suggested one elite team that has yet to be mentioned in the Ohtani speculation.
“I even had someone tell me in the last week or so that Shohei would be very intrigued about playing for the Atlanta Braves.” Morosi followed that up by saying he did not expect the Braves to pursue the pitcher and outfielder since they are going to prioritize pitching and he can’t do that again until 2024. But if Ohtani’s interest is sincere, Atlanta would be silly not to consider the move.
San Francisco Giants expected to offer Shohei Ohtani the most money in MLB free agency
Another team that has been consistently suggested as a legitimate contender for the one-time AL MVP is the San Francisco Giants. On Sunday, USA Today MLB insider Bob Nightengale offered up an interesting piece of information about the Giants that he learned from last week’s general manager meetings.
According to Nightengale, the Dodgers and Angels are seen as the favorites currently. While the Cubs and Rangers are viewed by many executives as having the next best chance after the two LA squads. However, he claims San Francisco “will offer the most money” among the various contenders for the 2023 MVP candidate.
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The biggest knock against the San Francisco Giants in the Ohtani chase is he is putting a winning team as a top priority this winter, and the orange-and-black have just one winning season in the last seven years. However, if staying out West, getting the most money, and playing for a respected franchise has weight then the Giants are a serious contender in the sweepstakes.