Japanese free agent Shohei Ohtani is up for grabs. After a lot of speculation, “The List Of Ohtani” has shrunk to seven teams. The pitcher/batter combo has multiple franchises salivating at the chance of singing him. This includes the entire state California and some others. Regardless of how many teams are in pursuit of his services, only one can sign him.
Shohei Ohtani
Plain and simple, Ohtani is as good with the bat as he is with the ball. Furthermore, he is also a fielder. The 23 year old has a 42-15 win-loss record and a 2.52 ERA on the mound throughout his career in the NPB with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. At the plate, Ohtani batted .286 with 48 home runs and 166 RBI during his 5 year stay in his home country. The Nippon double edge razor has seven different teams in his sight to make a move to the MLB.
The Golden State’s Favorite Pitcher
Four out of five California-based teams are in the hunt for the Asian free agent.
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers look like strong contenders in the fight for the Japanese “all in one” player. L.A. was runner up for the World Series title this past season. That alone could be a huge factor in favor of the Dodgers bringing him on board. The Dodgers have plenty of star power and they would be adding Ohtani to players like Yasiel Puig, Cody Bellinger, and most importantly, Clayton Kershaw. This could very well be what the Dodgers need to win a championship once and for all. Nevertheless, due to Los Angeles’ current pitching rotation, Ohtani could find himself– at least for a while– sitting in the bullpen.
Los Angeles Angels
Out of all contenders, the Angels seem to have the weakest pitching roster of all. The arrival of Ohtani could lift up their pitching rotation, which has nothing more than Tyler Skaggs for show. He will take the pitching ace role in the Anaheim rotation. However, this will come at the expense of postseason competitiveness and few shots to show his power at the plate in the American League. Add to that the fact that Angels will not offer as much money as other clubs will do and the Angels’ prospects don’t look all that good in comparison to the others.
San Diego Padres
This could get interesting. The Japanese player could be a big help for the Padres during their ongoing rebuilding process. The Friars have fingers crossed hoping Ohtani does not break the bank. Even if he does, given the fact they have a roster mainly made up of young prospects coming from El Paso, they could afford a big contract both for him and for Padre standards. Furthermore, the Padres need help in all fronts, and they will find a way to fit it no matter what. Don’t discard San Diego just yet.
San Francisco Giants
Matt Cain left a big hole in the Giants rotation. That big hole could be filled by Ohtani himself. That, complemented with a healthy Madison Bumgarner and Johnny Cueto hopefully at his best, and the Giants could have “The Big 3” of pitching on their hands. Furthermore, being top contenders for Giancarlo Stanton as well, the Giants can hit the jackpot and gear up for one of their competitive even years. If they can afford Stanton, they surely will afford Ohtani’s services. The Japanese phenom is keeping a close eye on them.
The 3 (Not So) Stooges
Three teams outside sunny California are also in talks with Ohtani.
Seattle Mariners
Seattle has always welcomed Japanese players on their roster, Ichiro Suzuki being the most notable. Ohtani could join his fellow countryman pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma on the Mariners. However, just as with the Angels, Seattle does not have much money to spend compared to other franchises. In order for the Nippon star to land in Seattle, offerings will have to be tricky and very creative. Such offers will imply more than a worthy salary, possibly free accommodation, special staff and/or special clauses in his contract. Of course, a courtesy Mariners umbrella will be included in the package. Joking aside, they have a chance, a slim one, but a chance nonetheless.
Texas Rangers
The Lone Star rotation is in need of a shake up. After trading Yu Darvish to the Dodgers near this year’s deadline, their pitching lost some horsepower. For a team that has been “stuck in neutral” for a while, they could very well use his power at the plate. The Rangers are also capable of giving Ohtani the biggest signing bonus from all contenders ($3.53 million dollars ). However, in contrast to the Dodgers or the Chicago Cubs, their roster falls short. Unless bonuses are a top priority for the Japanese ballplayer, he will not sign with Texas.
Chicago Cubs
The Cubs are easily the best pitching rotation in the league. Jake Arrieta, Jon Lester, John Lackey, Kyle Hendricks and, Mike Montgomery. While Chicago is in talks with Arrieta, there is still no guarantee he will renew his contract with the Cubbies. Ohtani could play a huge role, not only as “damage control” but also as a key pitching piece for a team that has remained highly competitive after their 2016 title. Even if no pitcher leave, they could implement Ohtani as fielder, run a six man rotation, or swap him back and forth on the mound with Montgomery.
So Where Will He Go?
Expect Ohtani to sign with either the Giants, the Dodgers or, in a shocking turn of events, the Cubs.