Shohei Ohtani Free Agency: Why Are the San Francisco Giants a Big Threat To LA Dodgers To Sign Two-Way Superstar?

The San Francisco Giants are going for another blockbuster signing, will the third time be a charm for them? After the doomed pursuits of Aaron Judge and Carlos Correa, the Bay Bombers are now ready to go after the biggest star in the market – Shohei Ohtani.  The Japanese wonder is looking to sign a $500 million contract – the biggest ever in baseball history. Can San Fran make an appealing offer?

The Giants have had quite a disappointing few years, missing the playoffs for two consecutive years. With a mere 79 wins in 2023, the team ended the dismal season with a losing record after six bad seasons, with the exception of 2021. Their pursuit of Ohtani seems natural amidst this struggle. But can they outlast the Los Angeles Dodgers and other competitors in their quest for the two-way phenom?

Could the San Francisco Giants’ bad luck end with Shohei Ohtani?

While the Philadelphia Phillies are turning into a team that “almost” wins it all, the Los Gigantes are a team that “almost” gets them all. For a few years, they have been perpetual contenders for all the big names in the league. From Aaron Judge to Carlos Correa to Bryce Harper, the number of their failed signings is staggering. While Judge and Harper chose other teams, Correa’s physical did not sit well with the Giants. Now they are back in the market for Shohei Ohtani. With these previous links, it is clear that the team is willing to spend huge amounts on star players.

The two-way phenom is currently the most important person in baseball. With teams like the Chicago Cubs, LA Dodgers, and the Texas Rangers trying to get his attention, the 2021 AL MVP certainly has his pick of the litter. Now the Giants have made things interesting, and according to Jim Bowden, they may be in for a long haul.

The former MLB GM appeared on an MLB Network podcast, confident of San Fran. ” I don’t think there’s any doubt the Giants are going to offer Shohei Ohtani a half a billion dollars and I won’t be surprised if they out-bid the Dodgers. I won’t be surprised if they out-bid the industry. My question is: Will he sign there?”

He then elaborated on why Ohtani signing with them might not be a possibility but they can surely increase the value of his contract. Now while Shotime has made it clear that he wants to join a winning team, the Giants do have an experience of victory even if recent years don’t suggest it. They are after all one of the most successful teams since the 2000s having won the World Series in 2010,2012 and 2014. But with perpetual favorites like the Dodgers and world champions like Rangers in the race, their chances don’t look very good.

Still, the race for Ohtani is now becoming more intense with the number of suitors increasing. But on the other hand, is the Japanese sensation even the priority for San Fran? 

Giants Owner’s Priorities for 2024

Farhan Zaidi is reportedly targeting starting pitchers and outfielders during this offseason. In an interview with John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle, Zaidi said that his team is “going to be in the starting pitching market” and he’ll “look to add a little bit more speed, a little bit more range to the outfield.”

Read more – Despite a $500 Million Price Tag, Why Should the New York Yankees Sign Shohei Ohtani?

With Ohtani unable to pitch in 2024, would this affect the Giants’ plans to sign him? Maybe, maybe not. More than a player Shohei Ohtani is a brand that every team wants to boast.

So with the Giants and Dodgers racing with each other, will the West Coast remain Ohtani home or will the Rangers bring him south? That’s a $500 million question.

Watch the Story – Young Shohei Ohtani’s Journey To Elite Hitting Proving His Little League Coach Wrong