Shohei Ohtani is undoubtedly one of the best baseball players in recent times in the MLB and once it was confirmed that he would be available in Free Agency, speculation about his future ignited.
Following his surgery, much speculation arose about the new amount that the franchises interested in his services would offer, since the deal would probably be less than the $500 million that was initially rumored for obvious reasons; but it has now been reported that the Japanese player has already received the first offers – and they are even higher than the figure that was initially estimated.
Get ready for constant timeline refreshing for Shohei Ohtani news. 😳 pic.twitter.com/6cmnJb8atP
— MLB (@MLB) December 3, 2023
According to a report by insider Jon Heyman, Shohei Ohtani has received offers that reach up to $600 million as things stand the Los Angeles Dodgers remain the main favorites to sign him.
The 2023 American League MVP winner held offensive line of .304/.412/.654 with 26 doubles, 8 triples, 44 home runs, 95 RBIs, 20 stolen bases, 1.066 OPS and 325 total bases with his former team, Los Angeles Angels.
As a two-way player, he went 10-5 with a 3.14 ERA, 167 strikeouts and 55 walks in 132 innings of work prior to his injury.
Two-time American League MVP Shohei Ohtani is expected to receive a historic payday this offseason, but he reportedly has multiple offers to weigh.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Ohtani
“is believed to already have received multiple bids well north of $500 million, and some speculate he could even wind up as baseball’s first $600 million man — or come close, at least.”
Heyman stated that the race for Ohtani
“appears to involve at least five teams at present.”
He named the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, Toronto Blue Jays, San Francisco Giants and incumbent Los Angeles Angels as the teams vying to land him this winter.
Here’s my guess on the eventual Shoehei Ohtani free-agent contract: 12 years at $47 million per, for a grand total of $564 million. I am not predicting a #Dodgers signing, but I can tell you right now that they can make it work as well or better than any club in baseball… pic.twitter.com/RWN3244VSu
— Howard Cole (@Howard_Cole) December 3, 2023
It sounds like it won’t be too long before Ohtani’s landing spot is revealed, as Heyman reported,
“The aggressive early bids could mean Ohtani will be signing somewhat soon, though there’s no guarantee a deal will get done at the Winter Meetings that begin here Monday.”
He also added that the lack of signings so far this offseason indicates
“the Ohtani sweepstakes may be holding up the hitting market.”
Ohtani’s deal this offseason will supersede the record $360 million deal for New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge as the largest free-agent contract in MLB history.
MLB Network insider Jon Heyman reported in the New York Post that Ohtani plans to meet with teams after the Winter Meetings, according to a high-ranking executive for a team interested in Ohtani.
While Ohtani might not ultimately sign this week, Heyman reported on Dec. 3 that the two-way superstar has already received multiple bids “well north of $500 million,” and some are wondering if the bidding could reach $600 million.
https://t.co/4wrdMTrGIQ. Ohtani and Yamamoto sweepstakes look like they will go past these Winter Meetings, which may delay many other big moves as well (still no movement in Padres-Yankees talks and more in here)
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 4, 2023
Heyman said that the Dodgers, Cubs, Blue Jays, Giants and incumbent Angels are believed to be the finalists for Ohtani, though it’s possible a new suitor could emerge.
In terms of when Ohtani could sign, MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi reported on Dec. 3 that one source “engaged with the top end of the free-agent market” said the two-way superstar is expected to pick a team within the next week.
Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet reported on Dec. 1 that a “small group” of teams were expected to meet with Ohtani and his representatives in Los Angeles over the weekend.
The Braves have had discussions with Ohtani and “cannot be overlooked” in the bidding for the two-way superstar, according to MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi.
“I still think in so many ways the Braves are a team we cannot overlook in the Ohtani sweepstakes.”
Ohtani has received multiple bids north of $500 million (report) MLB Network insider Jon Heyman reports in an article for the New York Post that the two-way superstar has already received multiple bids “well north of $500 million,” and some are wondering if the bidding could reach $600 million by the time things are said and done.
Shohei Ohtani has received some offers in the $550M range. https://t.co/vUxiKsuZoE
— Darius Glover (@GloverDarius) December 4, 2023
Ohtani’s decision could come soon, with MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi reporting earlier Sunday that one source “engaged with the top end of the free-agent market” said the two-way superstar is expected to pick a team within the next week.
This comes after Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet reported Friday that a “small group” of teams were expected to meet with Ohtani and his representatives in Los Angeles this weekend.
That leaves the Dodgers, Cubs, Blue Jays and incumbent Angels as the four teams definitely still in it, with the Giants also a possibility, per Passan.
MLB Network insider Jon Heyman has heard something similar, saying Friday that he thinks those are the “five teams that really have a legitimate chance” at Ohtani.
The bidding is likely to go beyond $500 million for the two-way superstar, and Passan even heard from one source who said it could reach $600 million.
Fans expressed their opinion as follows:
I would never… coming off TJ.. he potentially could be half the player you are paying him for. Don’t get me wrong. He’s unbelievable. But not giving 500 post tj until I know he can start again. Wouldn’t pay 500 for him even if he was a good RP the rest of his career
— JB (@jbash34) December 4, 2023
We all know he’s signing with the @Cubs
— Mitch Lafon (@mitchlafon) December 3, 2023
He’s a future Dodger forsure 🤝🏾 sorry scrub fans your too broke for him 👋🏾
— Orlando (@Nandoo_1999) December 3, 2023
He IS going to the Dodgers, and I predicted this last season. It isn't because other teams can't afford him, as it is because he wants to be on the west coast.
— GreatGazoo (@__GREATGAZOO) December 3, 2023
If the money is right, give me one thing that concerns you?
He loves LA? The dodgers are a winning ball club, great fan base, they have a player’s manager, magic Johnson factor, rich Japanese player history with the ball club, so…?— J. A. C. (@tj_Raider) December 3, 2023
Memo to the Voice of Reason. It would be a front office malpractice of Andrew not to make it work. After dumpster diving in last year’s offseason. Doing only one year contracts. This is what they seemly set the table for. So just pull the trigger & put this thing to bed!
— Richard (@dodgers52) December 4, 2023
Hi Howard that is lot but what about 8 Year deal that might be better what your thoughts
— Bruce Davis (@BruceD34172) December 3, 2023
Why not predicting a Dodger signing? Don’t want to pump people’s expectations?
— john harvey (@pjyankeeedved) December 3, 2023
