When the free agency of Shohei Ohtani began, most people collectively shouted “LA Dodgers!”. Subsequently, the narrative shifted, and now there is a sudden influx of remarks questioning ‘from where did the Toronto Blue Jays come from?’. The Blue Jays are certainly the most surprising contender in this Ohtani saga. Even more surprising is just how close they are to doing the impossible! However, until the final decision arrives from the unicorn, there are other two finalists trailing in the race. 

Almost every single report of the past week has said one thing – the Toronto Blue Jays are racing ahead of everyone else. Whether it’s because of their stadium, their recent performances, or the comfort they can offer Shotime, the bottom line is they are very close. However, before the ball falls in their court, there are other teams running strong to grab the unicorn.

Blue Jays are big leaders in the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes, but closely trailing them are these finalists

The Athletic recently reported that “The Blue Jays are reportedly among the finalists to sign Ohtani along with the Dodgers, and perhaps other teams, too, including the Giants and Cubs. Toronto’s front office has been quietly confident that its pitch was well-received by the reigning AL MVP.” It seems the other teams have turned into after-thoughts.

Even though the Dodgers are competing hard, many believe that Ohtani can prefer Toronto for one reason – lack of media attention. If he comes to the Dodgers, he will get immense media attention forever remaining under the limelight. The famously private star could like Toronto, where he will have no such pressure to show up to the press so often.

This factor, coupled with great infrastructure and the potential to win for many years, are the chief reasons for Ohtani allegedly preferring the Blue Birds. Basically, he can get everything in Toronto that he’ll get in LA without compromising his way of life. But there are other teams after him as well.

Watch This Story: Shohei Ohtani’s Two-Way Dream: Before Injury, He Always Wanted Both!

As for other teams – the Chicago Cubs and the San Francisco Giants were a longshot from the start. The Giants may not be ready to provide a winning project to Ohtani while Cubs may have reservations about the asking price, the competition boils down between the Jays and the Dodgers. Still, there is no denying that all of these are just speculations, one does not know what Ohtani is actually thinking.

Read more: 12 Years and $500 Million: Shohei Ohtani is ‘Very Close’ to Toronto as Free Agency Nears Final Historic Stage