The focus is on which teams Shohei Ohtani will consider as he navigates the MLB free-agent market, and the anticipation is high. Ohtani, the standout two-way player recovering from elbow surgery that will sideline him from pitching in 2024, is poised to command a potentially record-setting contract.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Ohtani aims to keep his free-agent visits under wraps, preferring a more discreet approach to his decision-making process. The three-time All-Star’s intention is to maintain secrecy, and any reported visits between Ohtani and potential teams may be held against the teams involved. Consequently, the information circle surrounding his free agency is expected to be small and tightly controlled.
If there is one thing to know about Shohei Ohtani’s free agency, it’s that you are unlikely to know much about it until he signs somewhere. If visits between Ohtani and a team are reported publicly, it will be held against the team, so the circles will be tiny and tight.
While the Los Angeles Dodgers have been early favorites in the Ohtani sweepstakes, Passan speculates that the Boston Red Sox and the reigning World Series champions, the Texas Rangers, are also likely to be contenders for his services.
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In the previous season, Ohtani showcased his prowess by hitting 44 home runs and delivering a stellar .304/.412/.654 slash line. Simultaneously, he achieved a 10-5 record with a 3.14 ERA as a pitcher. Ohtani is poised to secure his second American League MVP Award, and his ability to captivate audiences makes him a rare gem in the world of baseball, turning any franchise he joins into a must-watch spectacle.
