The San Francisco Giants nearly landed Aaron Judge in free agency last winter before he opted to re-sign with the New York Yankees. They had a deal in place with star infielder Carlos Correa before some issues came up during his physical.
To say that last offseason was a wash for the Giants would be an understatement. But front office head Farhan Zaidi is back going big-game hunting this winter.
According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the Giants are prioritizing signing two-way Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani during MLB free agency. Morosi also goes on to note that Japanese sensation, pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, is also a priority for Zaidi and Co.
San Francisco has been among the numerous teams interested in Ohtani. Its name has popped up since before the reigning American League MVP hit free agency. The question is now simple. Does San Francisco have a real shot at landing Ohtani?
Previous report indicated San Francisco Giants adding Shohei Ohtani was long shot
Jon Heyman of the NY Post reported earlier in November that San Francisco’s ability to sign MLB’s best player could be hindered by the fact that it plays at the pitcher-friendly Oracle Park.
“Some believe Ohtani isn’t in it for the money but to show he’s the best. So, ballparks may be a factor,” report on Giants chase after Ohtani.
As tracked by StatCast, Oracle Park is the sixth-least friendly MLB stadium to left-handed hitters over the last three seasons. According to the tracker, it trails the home of the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers — two other teams in on Ohtani during free agency.
Shohei Ohtani could still head to Northern California
Fresh off a disappointing 79-83 season, the Giants plan to go big in MLB free agency. They have the money to spend to meet what promises to be a market that will pay Ohtani north of $500 million in cold-hard cash.
San Francisco itself is an attractive city for free agents. Meanwhile, the Giants need to find that face of the franchise. Despite likely not pitching next season after undergoing elbow surgery, Ohtani would be just that.
- Shohei Ohtani stats (2023): .304 average, 44 HR, 95 RBI, 1.066 OPS
Ohtani, 28, led the American League in homers, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and OPS last season. He’s legitimately seen as the best player in baseball. For the Giants, this would be the equivalent of when they added Barry Bonds in free agency ahead of the 1993 season.
In turn, Ohtani would take over as the face of one of the most historical franchises in MLB. He’d be ripe for earning more money in endorsement opportunities given the Bay Area’s media market. While the same thing can be said about Los Angeles and New York, having this market to himself with the Oakland Athletics set to relocate to Las Vegas could also play a role.
It certainly is something to keep an eye on heading into the winter meetings.