Alex Rodriguez, the Highest Earning MLB Player of All-Time, Believes Only 3 Teams Can Afford Shohei Ohtani in 2024

Shohei Ohtani just led Japan to the World Baseball Classic Championship. The two-way phenom also took home the WBC MVP award, excelling on both sides of the game. And he is now getting ready for the 2023 MLB season, which many expect will be his last with the Los Angeles Angels. Notably, the Japanese two-way phenom is going to be a free agent after the upcoming season. 

Although the season has not even started yet, experts and analysts are already predicting the team that will sign Ohtani. Most recently, former New York Yankees legend Alex Rodriguez shared his two cents on the topic. He revealed his top three teams in the race to sign Ohtani when he becomes a free agent.

Alex Rodriguez believes these three teams are in the race for Shohei Ohtani

Alex Rodriguez twice set the record for signing the highest MLB contract and has earned the most money in League history. This and his expertise as a former player allow him to understand the value of a player and the market. Most recently, A-Rod appeared on The Michael Kay Show, a podcast hosted by Michael Kay. While on the show, he was asked which team Shohei Ohtani may sign for and what he’s worth. Rodriguez said that only three teams are in the race for the Japanese star. Namely, the New York Yankees, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the New York Mets. This is because no other teams can afford him. 

During the Michael Kay Show, Rodriguez said, “I think there’s two decisions to make, he’s either going to end up as a Dodger or a Yankee. And, actually, add the Mets there too, because Steve Cohen is always in play, with his pocketbook and his passion for bringing a championship to the Mets.” He further said, “But I don’t think a guy like Ohtani could be afforded in a secondary or tertiary market. He has to be in one of the big two, New York or LA.” 

Read More: Shohei Ohtani, Who Could Score a Deal Over $500 Million in 2024, Seemingly Has His MLB Retirement Planned Out Already

It will be interesting to see where Ohtani signs and the amount that he signs for. Rumors have floated around that he could sign a $500 million contract. It would be the biggest MLB contract by a margin if he does sign for $500 million. 

Ohtani is focused on the upcoming season with the Los Angeles Angels

Despite the World Baseball Classic victory and speculation surrounding his future, Shohei Ohtani is not distracted. He is fully focused on what will be a massive 2023 season with the Los Angeles Angels. He and Mike Trout will look to break the Angels’ postseason drought that started in 2015.

Watch This Story: Japanese Two-Way Baseball Star Shohei Ohtani Hits 100th Major League Homer

Which team do you think Shohei Ohtani will sign for? Will it be a team in Los Angeles, New York or elsewhere? Please share your thoughts on the topic down below!