Chicago Cubs Stay Strong in Shohei Ohtani Pursuit, as Teams Drop Out Amidst $500M Race Lull

MLB is witnessing one of the biggest free agency frenzies regarding top prospect Shohei Ohtani. The Chicago Cubs, in particular, stand strong in their persuasion for him despite having lower resources as teams like the New York Mets, the Boston Red Sox and the Texas Rangers continue to revoke their names off the race. However, is it the “right time to go over” for the Cubs?

Ohtani is considered the leader in a list of prospects that include sluggers like Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Juan Soto. Adding his two-way skills to the desirability factor, it is no wonder the majority of 30 MLB teams have shown interest in clinching the phenom. Will the comparatively average clubhouse be the final winner of the Ohtani-shaped powerhouse?

Shohei Ohtani and his Chicago future

Fans of MLB have been seeing the name of the Chicago Cubs surface in some big trade or free-agency-related rumor this season. Although their optimism doesn’t necessarily indicate that all of their dreams will come true, it certainly calls for future criticism.

For starters, the Cubs’ luxury tax threshold has been projected to reach around $186 million, according to The Athletic’s report. The team has intently avoided any questions regarding how much they would be willing to put down to get hold of star players. Given that their current focus is on Shohei Ohtani, they can be expected to give their all, even if it means crossing the tax threshold for three consecutive years.

To quote Cubs owner Tom Ricketts, “If we see an opportunity or it’s the right time to go over (the competitive balance tax) for a year or two, we’ll have the ability to do that.” He further focused on the financial strategy: “But we’ll manage that year to year.” Their president of baseball operations, Jed Hoyer, likes to play the money game on the down low. He is usually seen prioritizing players heavy on defense and all-around performances.

Shohei Ohtani certainly proves to be an exception in that field. His legendary hits, paired with his expert pitching (which has come to breif halt), are more than what the Cubs could ever ask for in a player. How likely is it for them to get Shohei Ohtani in their dugout, all things considered?

To clinch or not to clinch? A $500 million question

Whether the Cubs will be able to clinch Ohtani or not is a $500+ million question. The unicorn’s affinity for leaving any offer details undisclosed doesn’t help with the speculation. It is to be noted that the team is paying $25 million a year for sluggers like Dansby Swanson. Doubling the amount for a prospect who brings twice the skill is a thought that cannot be dismissed at any given chance.

The Cubs have always preferred fetching shorter deals that are high in AAVs. Although it certainly acts as an advantage, that still does not clear up their future. Ohtani has not been transparent about what he is looking for in a team.

Read More: The Chicago Cubs Pursue a 30YO Slugger Looking for Redemption. Will This Deal Work Out Perfectly Like Cody Bellinger’s?

Right now, Ohtani holds the final say on the Cubs’ future with him. Should he say yes, they will be providing him with a pricey deal, no questions asked. Let’s see if the team’s grit and perseverance pay off for their upcoming seasons or not!

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