Blue Jays GM Reveals Tactics to Lure Shohei Ohtani, as Toronto-Based Team Aims for Top Free Agents

Until a few weeks ago, not many would have named the Toronto Blue Jays as a favorite to sign Shohei Ohtani, but the landscape has changed. It’s one of the most surprising developments of this offseason. The Blue Jays are not only competing with teams like Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs, but they’re seemingly getting ahead of them in their quest for Ohtani. The news caught fire when it was revealed that Shotime recently had a meeting with the Blue Jays staff. 

But what is it that is turning the Blue Jays into such an attractive team? Is it their performance or is there some deeper reason for it? Well, their General Manager Ross Atkins recently answered those questions as he pitched why the Jays are the best team to come to for any player currently.

Blue Jays GM praises his team as Shohei Ohtani links go deeper

Ken Rosenthal revealed that the Blue Jays had a meeting with Shohei Ohtani in their spring training complex in Dunedin, Florida. This increased speculations that the Toronto is close to making the blockbuster deal with Ohtani. While teams like the Dodgers have been favorites since day one, one cannot discount the Toronto-based team. Especially because they have witnessed a huge upturn in their standings recently.

This is exactly what their GM Ross Atkins hinted at when he came on the MLB Network. Atkins made a pitch for all the players available by naming the benefits that the Jays have to offer.

“If you just talk about the city of Toronto, that it represents a nation. That we now have the best resources as it relates to getting players better. Our facility in Dunedin in 2024, our player-focused facility that will be in Roger Center will be, in our opinion, one of one. The ability to acquire players at every level to maximize spending in amateur and international… to trade for players, to be able to go after high-caliber free agents…That’s an exciting and easy thing to sell,” said Atkins.

Read more: 2017 vs 2023: Inside Shohei Ohtani’s Shifting Priorities For His Next Deal

Ross has repeatedly praised the growth that the Jays have experienced in recent times. Their infrastructural growth has translated well on-field as the team has qualified for playoffs for 3 of the last 4 seasons. So, it’s natural for them to pursue Ohtani, but does the two-way superstar want to be with them?

Insider says Shotime has an inclination towards the Blue Jays

Jon Heyman recently said in a tweet “Ohtani did tell some folks he knows before his probable Jays Florida visit he has a positive feeling about Toronto.” In that same tweet, Heyman mentioned that Ohtani also has an affinity for the Dodgers and “a few other cities/clubs”.

Indeed, it’s a fascinating remark. The possibility of Ohtani joining the Toronto Blue Jays would certainly be a captivating spectacle. Well, the competition for the two-way phenom’s signature remains intriguing.

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