Shohei Ohtani is one of the hot topics for the upcoming free agency. Since his Los Angeles exit is almost definite, fans and media have been trying to find him a suitable landing spot. Predictions and rumors go hand in hand as MLB insiders discuss the other teams’ intentions regarding Ohtani. However, not many players have jumped into this flowing river, but Alex Rodriguez did with an uncommon claim.

Since retirement, the Yankees legend has loved to stay in mainstream media. His honest opinions often brought criticism, but the legend never paid heed to them. Even in his recent interview session with InsideHook, the players opened up on several topics, ranging from playoff predictions and analytics prevalence to Shohei Ohtani’s probable landing spot. However, his “sneaky underdog” prediction about Los Angeles’ star surprised the fans.

Alex Rodriguez on Shohei Ohtani Landing Spot Prediction

The InsiderHook arranged an exclusive interview session with the Yankees legend for his opinions on multiple trending MLB issues. While talking about those, the two-way phenom’s next signing team’s prediction can’t be ignored. However, the prediction he made was completely unexpected as he backed up a team that had been suffering a lot for the last few seasons.

The legend highlighted the possibilities of the Seattle Mariners, saying, “I also think that a place like Seattle is a sneaky underdog because of the Japanese connection.” He further continued his point, “From a monetization point of view, you can make an argument the best ROI for any team is the Mariners because of the proximity to Japan.”

Having started his career in Seattle, A-Rod is emotionally connected with the Mariners. Though he only spent 6 years with them and is largely known for playing for New York Yankees most of his career, the ex-baseballer’s inclination towards Mariners is inevitable.

The Mariners often sign numerous Japanese players, partly due to their owner’s previous association with Nintendo and Seattle’s proximity to Japan with relatively short flight times. These factors make Seattle an attractive choice for many Japanese players. They may be for Shohei Ohtani too.

Seattle also boasts a significant Japanese community and served as a destination for one of Japan’s most prominent figures, Ichiro Suzuki and Munenori Kawasaki. Moreover, back in 2022 offseason, there were rumors of the team signing budding Japanese talents, Koudai Senga, Masataka Yoshida, etc.

This is not the first time the ex-Yankee commented on Ohtani’s trade.

Alex Rodriguez Talked About an ‘Illegal’ Ohtani Trade

The former shortstop is famous for his openness. He freely shares his opinions on every aspect, regardless of the genre. Similarly, he once opened up about Ohtani’s trade suggestion. The Yankees icon expressed that the team should trade him for a few draft-picks. A-Rod said, “I think here’s the thought that I would think about, if I was the Angels, I would want to get a bunch of draft picks, I want to load up my farm systemThe suggestion was not initially problematic until the draft-pick trading part came.” The strict prohibition on trading draft picks in MLB makes such actions illegal, a fact that drew criticism and ridicule from fans.

Read More: Shadowing His Yankees Loyalty, Alex Rodriguez Sides With Cross-Town Rivals Despite Facing a Brutal $2.4 Billion Rejection

However, no matter where the 21st-century Babe Ruth lands, his free agency will probably be the most memorable one.

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