3 MLB Teams Emerge as Prime Candidates For Shohei Ohtani as He Stands On the Cusp of the Biggest Contract in American History

Major League Baseball has no shortage of extremely talented players. Legends have been born on the diamond time and time again, and fans have been fascinated with their progression. In recent times, one of the league’s biggest stars is undoubtedly Shohei Ohtani. The Japanese phenomenon redefines the term ‘icon’ every time he steps up to the mound. His raw talent on both sides of the ball has taken the MLB world by storm and Ohtani seems unlikely to stop anytime soon.

Currently signed on to the Los Angeles Angels, Sho-time is set to hit free agency after the 2023 season. And while it’s only May, analysts and fans alike have been debating about where his next stop could be. The New York Mets emerged as a top team a while ago, as owner Steve Cohen even flew to Japan to watch him in the World Baseball Classic. But according to a recent report, two other teams also stand a chance.

Could Shohei Ohtani stay in Los Angeles with the Dodgers next?

Apparently, the Japanese star chose the Angels, and the city of Los Angeles in particular, because it’s closer to his home country. This is why the Dodgers could be the next natural place for him to land, with undoubtedly a contract with eye-popping numbers. ESPN recently took a poll of 26 MLB executives, agents, and insiders to take a guess at the numbers.

Kiley McDaniel reports an average of an 11-year deal for $524.3 million. Along with the Dodgers and the Mets, another top team that stands in contention is the San Diego Padres. “I think he uses the Padres and Mets to run up the price, but he wants to and will go with the Dodgers,” an insider said.

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If the 28-year-old ballplayer does indeed prefer the West Coast, the Boys in Blue could be the best option. But given his talents, Ohtani is certainly not going to have a shortage of suitors.

The Japanese baseball superstar’s free agency is something unique

The reason is easy to guess. MLB hasn’t seen a two-way player with this level of talent since possibly Babe Ruth. If a team has deep pockets to offer, Ohtani is a big score. As McDaniel put it, “…a team is getting elite talent in two areas and saving a roster spot.”

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But every coin has two sides, and if he suffers an injury, that means more loss incurred. Now the question is, will Ohtani’s talent withstand potential future damage?