Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani is poised to become the most coveted free agent in MLB history. Even as teams anticipate him landing the first $500 million contract in baseball history, clubs are ready to make Ohtani one of the highest-paid MLB players ever.
Ohtani, age 28, is one of the best players in MLB and the game’s most marketable star. Already a two-time All-MLB First Team selection and the 2021 AL MVP winner, he’s a perennial MVP candidate and in the running for the Cy Young Award.
- Shohei Ohtani pitching stats (2023): 2.74 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, 66/20 K/BB in 46 innings
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While the Angels would like to keep Ohtani, he is expected to leave the franchise after owner Arte Moreno opted not to sell the team. It will open the door for Ohtani to test the open market, where he will be met with a field of contenders featuring World Series contenders and the highest payrolls in baseball.
Money will not be the ultimate decision-maker for Ohtani. While he is expected to land a $500 million contract regardless of where he lands, two key factors will influence where he signs. It’s why many around the league already have some confidence about the favorites to land him.
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Kiley McDaniel of ESPN polled 26 MLB executives, agents and insiders regarding who is favored to sign Ohtani next winter. While the New York Yankees, New York Mets, San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants all received votes, the Los Angeles Dodgers garnered the most attention.
“While it was too early in the process for some of our panel to give an expected destination, six of the 26 responses came with a thought on the landing spot. Two insiders said the Dodgers, one said either the Dodgers or Mets, another said either the Dodgers or Yankees, the fifth said either the Dodgers, Padres or Mariners, and the final one chose the Giants.”
ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel on the favorite to sign Shohei Ohtani in MLB free agency
McDaniel also noted the “popular belief” around the league that Ohtani prefers to remain on the West Coast, allowing him to travel more easily to Japan and stay where he is comfortable. As a result, the Dodgers are even more likely to have the inside track for him.
- Shohei Ohtani hitting stats: .293/./359/.529, .888 OPS, 24 RBI, 8 HRs, 5 SBs
Ohtani’s preference for the West Coast has been well-documented for years, including when he came over from Japan. It gives the Dodgers, Giants, Padres and Seattle Mariners a significant edge over clubs like the Mets and Yankees.
What swings things in the Dodgers’ favor over Seattle and San Francisco is championship contention. Ohtani hasn’t appeared in the playoffs since joining the Angels and his desire to compete for a World Series would give an edge to San Diego and Los Angeles. Considering the Dodgers cut payroll this year to lower their luxury tax, it could all be part of their move to land him this winter.
