Decision on where Shohei Ohtani might sign on the horizon?
The biggest free agent this offseason, Shohei Ohtani, could be close to making a decision on where he will play in the near future.,
“While team executives are uniformly quiet on the sweepstakes out of respect for Ohtani, other industry sources with knowledge of the process say the negotiations are entering their final stretch with a small group of teams expected to meet with the 29-year-old and his CAA Sports representatives in Los Angeles this weekend.” Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet Canada reported.
The small circle of teams seem to be down to the Dodgers, Giants, Blue Jays, Cubs and Angels.
EPSN’s Jeff Passan this morning wrote, “The Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox and New York Mets, who were among the initial group of suitors, have turned their attention to other players, sources said. Among those confirmed by sources to be still in the bidding: the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, Toronto Blue Jays and Angels.”
The reigning AL MVP is holding up the rest of the market it seems while he is making his mind where he will play next season.
“One source said he believes Ohtani will receive a contract for at least $550 million. Another said the bidding could reach $600 million. Regardless of where it lands, it will shatter the record for the largest guarantee in North American sports history: the $426.5 million the Los Angeles Angels gave to Ohtani's teammate, Mike Trout,” Passan added.
Ohtani will have ripple effects across free agency. The teams that have shown interest in Ohtani are also in on Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Passan reported.
“The Yankees, Mets, Dodgers, Red Sox and Cubs are among the favorites, with the Giants, Blue Jays and Phillies also expected to be in the mix. The price for Yamamoto, officials who plan on pursuing the pitcher told ESPN, seems to be growing by the day. Multiple executives said the floor will be $200 million. Others said the cost of his contract could be in excess of $250 million.”
Between Ohtani and Yamamoto it is clear big money is going to start being spent. The MLB winter meetings kick off in Nashville, Tennessee this Sunday and go through Wednesday the 6th.
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