Shohei Ohtani Puts Forth Strict Free Agency Request, Preferring Privacy Amidst $500 Million Negotiations

The saga of Shohei Ohtani is continuing to take different turns as the race for him intensifies. The two-way phenom created history yesterday by winning his second unanimous MVP award, but that is certainly not the end of his offseason tale. While fans love watching the drama surrounding a big free agent, Ohtani is putting the breaks on this excitement. The 29-year-old has raised a few surprising conditions that he wants every team to follow.

While nearly every franchise would love to have a player like Ohtani with them, only a select few can afford the two-way wonder. With expectations of over $500 million, every bidder would like to deal with this situation delicately. But with the entire world’s eyes on these talks, Shotime wants to ensure his decision remains private.

Shohei Ohtani asks teams to keep discussions confidential

Everybody knows how a free agency goes – teams visit the player, the press waits to get the wind of it and they follow every second of those meetings. But as Shohei Ohtani has proven time and again, he never follows the template. A notoriously private individual, Ohtani wants to do things in peace, without unnecessary attention. So he has put forth an interesting condition for interested franchises. 

Jeff Passan of ESPN reported that Ohtani wants everyone who meets him to keep things private. Moreover if by any chance their conversation becomes public, the situation will be held against the erring team. With such a condition, the Japanese player has made it obvious that he wishes to directly announce his future team’s name. Likely, MLB clubs may have no other option but to follow his directive. After all, if they want to get the biggest star in baseball today, they’ll have to play by a different set of rules.

Free agency brings a lot of expectations from a wide range of fans. So when a player’s name gets attached to one team and he ends up going to another, things sometimes take a turn for the worse. Ohtani, who has always remained away from controversies, is looking to do the same here.

There are quite a few teams that are interested in signing the two-way phenom. While it was reported that the Texas Rangers are one of the prominent names on the list, more are waiting. But due to this requirement, it’s a given that most of the negotiations will remain a secret this time. Still one can imagine how many teams will be after Ohtani and what can happen during these negotiations.

Landing spots that might suit Ohtani the best

Although it is Shotime’s decision, an educated analysis can be done to understand what teams suit him the most. While his wish for winning makes the Rangers an obvious pic, there is something to be said about the Dodgers. Yes, the Dodgers are interested in Ohtani but they seemingly need a pitcher more desperately and Ohtani will not be pitching in 2024 due to his Tommy John surgery. So will they go after him with serious intent?

Read more: Why Shohei Ohtani? 5 Defining Reasons for Baseball Unicorn’s Unanimous MVP Triumph

In the case of the Chicago Cubs, Ohtani fits quite well in their team but if they go after Cody Bellinger, they may find it tough to get him on the team. The New York Yankees are looking at other big-money signings and the Mets could go after him but again, he’d prefer a well-balanced team and the Mets lack good pitchers.

The Rangers are currently the most complete team. Add to that they are the World Champions. And if they get Ohtani, they could potentially go on to make a dynasty. How interesting would that be!

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