Why the Yankees Aren’t Atop the Shohei Ohtani Sweepstakes, Despite Being a Juggernaut in the $500M Race

The biggest name in baseball and a team looking to reestablish the greatest dynasty the sport has ever seen. Shohei Ohtani and the New York Yankees – what a splendid pairing. While they are a part of the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes, they seem awfully behind others in the said race. Even though the Yankees certainly have the pedigree and wealth to meet his $500 million expectation, it might still be a tough situation for them.

While Shotime has swept the baseball world with his talent, he may not be suited to the Bronx club. Although the Japanese sensation can no doubt shine wherever he goes, the Yankees have a unique worry.

The Shohei Ohtani problem for the New York Yankees

Although the Pinstripers’ defense could use some help, the offense needs serious reconstruction. While Shohei Ohtani would solve their hitting woes, it would require a lot of effort. How will they displace their current DH?

Giancarlo Stanton hasn’t had a 140+ games season since 2018. But even then it would take heavy efforts to displace him. And if they bring in Ohtani it becomes a necessity to deal with the Stanton contract that extends till 2027. This is one of the problems that was highlighted in a recent article in The Athletic, “And if we’re splitting hairs, he’d have to take over as full-time DH, which would mean the end of the Stanton era.”

Stanton has a no-trade clause in his contract which will have to be dropped. But Ohtani had a second major elbow injury recently, limiting his pitching. This could become a problem because it would mean the Bombers potentially replacing one 100-game player with another.

Read more: With the Dodgers Leading the Shohei Ohtani Race, Which Other Teams Are Vying to Sign Him?

Then there is their high payroll. The Pinstripes are currently top 3 in MLB payrolls and might not want to break the tax threshold again. The massive contracts of Gerrit Cole, Aaron Judge, and Carlos Rodon could make bringing in Ohtani unfeasible. And above all, does the two-way phenom even want to wear pinstripes?

Does Ohtani want to come to New York?

When Shohei Ohtani first arrived in the States in 2017-18, the Yankees weren’t given preference. The reason was that he didn’t think he could live in a big city like New York. Could that thought have changed by now?

The two-way star also famously doesn’t like pitching in the Yankee Stadium. If he has so many options currently, naturally going to a team he has no affinity for doesn’t seem like an obvious choice. 

Will the fans get to see the 2x MVP wearing pinstripes? The chances of it seem pretty bleak right now.

Watch This Story: Shohei Ohtani’s Two-Way Dream: Before Injury, He Always Wanted Both!