With the completion of the MLB World Series, a cycle of contests has reached its completion. But the fight is not yet over, all thanks to the race of building for the future. Several teams have joined the race, including the 2018 champions, Boston Red Sox. Interested in signing two-way phenom, Shohei Ohtani, the team seems ready to go all out. But it won’t be a simple task for them.
Given the skill set Ohtani possesses, he is one of the most in-demand players in the league. This is visible in his high contract evaluation, which has reached over half a billion. It has prompted many teams to move out of the signing race, but Boston perseveres. Looking to match the multi-year contract projections to the Japanese star, the team is all in. Fans, however, are not.
Boston Red Sox In for the Biggest Contract In MLB History
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Rumors of Shohei Ohtani moving away from Los Angeles have been swirling for years. It all started after the 29-year-old star once showed his frustration of not making it to the playoffs and reaching his goal of winning the World Series.
However, he chose the Los Angeles Angels till his contract expired. With 2023 as proof, Ohtani added more to his worth with analysts predicting over $500 million. Now as a free agent, he is ready to reap the benefits with multiple teams ready to splurge money, including the Boston Red Sox.
According to a post shared by Boston Sports Gordo, the contract estimations have crossed $500 million for the star player. It further asked a question to the Red Sox fans that read, “Ohtani turns 30 in July. Would you want the Red Sox to hand out that contract?”
Tim Britton projects Shohei Ohtani to receive a 12-year, $520M contract in free agency.
Ohtani turns 30 in July. Would you want the Red Sox to hand out that contract? pic.twitter.com/C2rnhOTlaP
— Boston Sports Gordo (@BOSSportsGordo) November 2, 2023
With the brilliance that Shotime possesses and brings to the table, the answer seems to be a yes in this case. However, Beantown does not think so.
Concerned Fans Push Against the Shohei Ohtani Signing
In the league, there are rarely better players than Shohei Ohtani. But even he has his limitations. Although Ohtani teams get everything on the team, whether it’s pitching or batting, his recent struggles have changed the narrative.
Not a chance in the world
The dude is 30 and just has his SECOND Tommy John!!
Do people forget that he had Tommy John surgery in 2018 also, do you really want to roll those dice I don’t
— Lambert (@jspencer67) November 2, 2023
One said the deal was not good and wanted to lessen the number of years.
I would give him a 5 year contract instead of a 12 year Contract
— Michele Douglas the Boston Sports Fan (@MicheleDou1) November 2, 2023
One was vehemently against it, stating baseball is a business.
Absolutely not and a deal that will have issues in the back half. These deals set teams back. But he is a Marketing piece and baseball is a business.
— Mike Carista (@mike_carista) November 2, 2023
Another suggested they should use the money on other players.
No way! I think he is a good player but not for $520M He will be only be able just to hit. We need pitching so I’m hoping they can use some of that money for good quality pitching
— Marc (@BoSoxBeerFan18) November 3, 2023
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One called the contract absurd.
It’s an absurd contract but if the money doesn’t kill the team the healthy experts think he can hit until he’s 40, I’m game
— New Royal Rooters (@NewRoyalRooters) November 2, 2023
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From the reactions, it is clear that fans are unhappy with the contract. They want the Red Sox to be practical. Will they listen to fan voices?
Watch this story – Shohei Ohtani Fever Sweeps New York Yankees Amidst Uncertainties
