With several key everyday players set for free agency, the Toronto Blue Jays have plenty of work to do filling out their lineup this offseason. There’s a number of ways the front office could take in addressing these needs, but what about reeling in the biggest fish of all, in Shohei Ohtani?
As MLB free agency continues, the Blue Jays would appear to be a longshot to sign the former AL MVP who can hit just as well as he can pitch (when healthy), but some around the industry believe Toronto has better chances than most expect.
According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, there is at least one rival MLB executive who believes the Blue Jays should be viewed as a “sleeper” team for Ohtani this offseason.
The exec notes that while the Blue Jays do likely want to ink Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette to long-term extensions, the need to add left-handed hitting reigns supreme. And there’s no one better than Ohtani.
But it’s not just Rosenthal’s sources who indicate the Blue Jays could be true contenders for Ohtani. ESPN’s Jeff Passan also notes that the Blue Jays want to “do something big” this offseason, while noting Ohtani would certainly fit the bill, seemingly suggesting it’s a possibility.
So, while the Blue Jays may not be the team everyone’s talking about when the topic of Ohtani comes up, perhaps it’s possible Toronto really does make significant waves in free agency. We’ll find out soon enough.