A new report claims that Shohei Ohtani is not expected to wait much longer to make his landmark free agency decision, because many around MLB believe it will come next week at the 2023 Winter Meetings.
The free agent market has been open for a few weeks and some notable players have already joined new teams this month. However, this year’s free agency class starts and ends with Los Angeles Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani because he is, arguably, the best hitter and pitcher on this year’s market and the reigning American League MVP.
Related: Los Angeles Dodgers made key roster decision with Shohei Ohtani chase in mind
The Japanese star’s potential jump into the open market has been a topic of conversation since last year as MLB experts have speculated what team would be the best fit for the three-time All-Star. Well, the speculation and debate may finally end next week.
On Wednesday, New York Post MLB insider Jon Heyman gave a major update on when the chase for Ohtani could come to its long-awaited conclusion.
“At this moment I’m thinking he may sign at the Winter Meetings, which would be very exciting,” Heyman said. “That seems to be the prevailing opinion at this point but no guarantee … [MLB writers] think that Ohtani will be the big signing at the Winter Meetings — the biggest signing you would say of all time. We are expecting him to get $500 million or there arounds.”
Assuming Shohei Ohtani does sign the biggest contract in North American sports history next week, let’s look at the top contenders for his services and their chances of signing the best player in baseball.
Latest on Shohei Ohtani’s top nine contenders in MLB free agency
Los Angeles Dodgers
For months, the Los Angeles Dodgers have been the favorite to sign the Japanese megastar and that has not changed much. They have the funds to give him the money he will command and they seemingly went bargain shopping last winter to make sure they had the hundreds of millions available for Ohtani this year.
However, what gives them a real leg up on all the other contenders is that they have the consistent winning culture the MVP reportedly wants and it would keep him on the West Coast, another assumed preference for the native of Japan.
Related: Chicago Cubs chasing after Shohei Ohtani in MLB free agency
Chicago Cubs
In recent weeks, the Chicago Cubs have come on as a serious contender in the Ohtani chase. While they are not on the West Coast and don’t have the recent winning culture of the Dodgers, Chicago is still a prestigious franchise and is aiming for more game-changing moves this winter after shockingly hiring Craig Counsell.
Don’t be surprised if the Cubs end up being bold enough to offer Ohtani a deal even richer than half a billion dollars.
Boston Red Sox
Like the Cubs, the Boston Red Sox are another team that has received rumblings as a potential dark horse contender in recent weeks. After consecutive seasons at the bottom of the AL East, the Sox are as motivated as ever to turn their fortunes around. Especially since they are in a division that is set to be the best in the sport for the next few seasons.
New York Mets
The New York Mets have always been linked to Ohtani from the start due to the massive wealth of owner Steve Cohen. However, while they will always be a contender for that reason, the franchise doesn’t seem like a good fit for him at this point in his career.
Furthermore, after taking on a lot of debt to land elite prospects at the trade deadline, there is doubt that Cohen wants to add a $500 million deal to his expensive payroll.
New York Yankees
Like the Mets, the New York Yankees have always been seen as a contender for Ohtani because of their wealth and the lasting prestige of being a Yankee for many free agents. However, recent reports suggest the team is unlikely to make a hard push for the AL MVP, and it seems they are more focused on landing San Diego Padres star Juan Soto in a blockbuster trade this week.
Texas Rangers
A couple of weeks ago, the rumors started that the world-champion Texas Rangers could jump into the Ohtani market. But those rumblings have diminished since then. While they may make a hard run at him next week, they are probably better off making smaller moves for players like closer Josh Hader to sure up an already strong roster for a title defense in 2024.
Atlanta Braves
Ohtani reportedly is high on the consistent success of the Atlanta Braves and they perfectly fit what he really wants for his career going forward. However, the Braves have never been a team that makes outlandish moves in free agency and that is unlikely to change this year.
San Francisco Giants
While the San Francisco Giants can’t match the recent history of the Dodgers, the team has the money, desire, and West Coast locale that makes them a strong option for Ohtani. Behind the Dodgers and Cubs, the Giants likely have the next best odds of signing the Japanese star at the Winter Meetings next week.
Related: San Francisco Giants reportedly prioritizing Shohei Ohtani in MLB free agency: Why it could happen
Los Angeles Angels
Ohtani’s current team, the Los Angeles Angels, has been an afterthought in the Ohtani chase due to the assumption he is tired of their losing ways since joining the team in 2018. However, this is one franchise that might be willing to spend wildly to hold on to him because they understand his immense value to their franchise.
Plus, that familiarity will certainly have a pull on Ohtani when making such a major decision that will affect him and his family for the next decade. While they don’t have a strong chance, they should not be ruled out.