Jeff Passan on mega free agent Shohei Ohtani: 'He loves visiting Boston'
The Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes will be the talk of baseball until the presumed AL MVP decides where he wants to sign. Jeff Passan of ESPN dropped a column Tuesday morning going over many topics, including the latest he is hearing on Ohtani.
“The Dodgers, Rangers and Boston Red Sox all are expected to be in the Ohtani sweepstakes. And though the industry’s overwhelming expectation is that he winds up with the Dodgers, that line of thinking is perhaps presumptive” Passan wrote.
There will of course be other teams interested outside of these three. However, it is noteworthy that one of the top baseball reporters is mentioning these three. The reasoning for Ohtani’s liking behind these three teams vary.
"He (Ohtani) loves visiting Boston and has fondness for Fenway Park,” Passan said in regards to the Red Sox. For the Rangers, he added Ohtani appreciates them not only because their recent title, but “when he was playing in Japan, they expressed strong interest in him.”
While it is exciting to see Boston being linked to Ohtani, the reasoning seems a bit weak. Free agents make their decisions mostly, around money, the success of the franchise, and family considerations. A top free agent doesn’t sign with a team because of the ballpark.
The Red Sox have the ability to offer a big contract if they so desire and have won the most titles since 2004. I think it is a bit discouraging to hear his likeness is focused on the Fenway experience.
Passan gave a much more compelling baseball reason to why Ohtani like the idea of the Dodgers. “He deeply respects the Dodgers’ winning ways, their ability to develop players, and their progressive coaching approach.”
This reasoning seems to be deeper and more thought out. Perhaps, Passan got more detail about the Dodgers because that is where this ultimately heading. After reading this it is not surprising, they are considered the favorites amongst the industry.
As for the timing of an Ohtani signing, it is truly anyone’s guess. Typically the big free agents will hold out for a bidding war to drive up their market. However, Passan is hearing different.
“The expectation among teams involved is that Ohtani could move relatively quickly- - perhaps even before the Dec. 4-7 winter meetings, according to sources,” Passan added.
Ohtani could end up getting around $500 million despite not being able to pitch in the 2024 season. The superstar hit .304 this season and lead the AL in homeruns with 44 homeruns. Prior to having Tommy John, he started 23 games and had a 3.14 ERA.
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