MLB · 1 year ago

Shohei Ohtani Sweepstakes: 5 Teams that Can Sign the Phenom

Zack Cook

Host · Writer

Honorable Mention: Texas Rangers
The Texas Rangers haven't been afraid to spend money. Look no further than the contracts they dished out to Marcus Semien and World Series MVP Corey Seager. Does winning the 2023 World Series put the Rangers in the conversation for Ohtani's services? We see no reason they shouldn't be in the discussion with what Ohtani wants.
Shohei Ohtani Sweepstakes
Many teams will be in the mix to sign Shohei Ohtani this winter. SportsGrid has narrowed that list down to five teams and one honorable mention.
Los Angeles Angels
Despite the historic numbers Ohtani has put together with the Los Angeles Angels, the team as a whole hasn't found success with him in the mix. With Mike Trout not getting any younger and with a track record of injuries, it's hard to say that the Angels and the way this team is handled from the top down is the right fit to continue on with Ohtani.
Los Angeles Dodgers
It's no secret that the Los Angeles Dodgers are enamored with Shohei Ohtani. The Dodgers not only have the payroll flexibility, but the location is also desirable for Ohtani. At this point in November, the Dodgers appear to be the favorites to land Ohtani, and we won't be surprised if that comes to fruition when the teams take the field next April.
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are an interesting potential landing spot for Ohtani. They just showed with their signing of new manager Craig Counsell that they aren't afraid to go after what they want and pay the price for it. This would be a great fit on paper, but we're uncertain if Ohtani would ever actually consider a team outside of the West Coast. If he does, the Cubs feel like a great fit.
New York Mets
The New York Mets have shown that they can spend whatever it takes to land free agents that are desirable to the organization. Players like Ohtani don't come around often, if ever. That tells us that we wouldn't be shocked if Mets owner Steve Cohen decided to pony up the big bucks and offer a deal that Ohtani can't refuse. We're not saying it's likely, but it wouldn't surprise us.
San Francisco Giants
If the Dodgers are ultimately the front runners for Ohtani's services, the San Francisco Giants may be a close second. The location is desirable, and the Giants certainly won't be afraid to spend on this player. San Francisco was heavily in the conversation to land Aaron Judge last year, and it won't surprise us if they ultimately are the last ones standing in the Ohtani sweepstakes this time around, either.
Honorable Mention: Texas Rangers
The Texas Rangers haven't been afraid to spend money. Look no further than the contracts they dished out to Marcus Semien and World Series MVP Corey Seager. Does winning the 2023 World Series put the Rangers in the conversation for Ohtani's services? We see no reason they shouldn't be in the discussion with what Ohtani wants.
Shohei Ohtani Sweepstakes
Many teams will be in the mix to sign Shohei Ohtani this winter. SportsGrid has narrowed that list down to five teams and one honorable mention.

Shohei Ohtani Sweepstakes: 5 Teams that Can Sign the Phenom

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