With $500M Free Agency in the Background, “Poverty Franchise” Mariners’ Shohei Ohtani Bid Gets Brutally Shot Down

Every discussion of the MLB offseason will include Shohei Ohtani at least once. Baseball’s unicorn is headed to one of the biggest free agencies the league has ever seen. With his two-way skills, Ohtani can have the pick of the litter to choose his next destination. Out of all the teams that will be pursuing him come off-season, it seems like Emerald City will resort to any method to show their interest.

The Seattle Mariners may lose Teoscar Hernandez and Tom Murphy to free agency. But even if they had a roster chock full of superstars, who wouldn’t want the Japanese sensation in their midst? After chanting their request at the 2023 All-Star game, which took place at T-Mobile Park, the Seattle crowd is once again making its wishes known.

Even College Gameday Crowds Won’t Leave Shohei Ohtani Alone

Ahead of one of the most exciting match-ups in college football yesterday, all sorts of creative signs could be seen in the crowds. It was Oregon vs. Washington, no. 8 vs no. 7 in the country, so needless to say, excitement was at an all-time high. ESPN covered the event as ‘College Gameday’, showcasing the popularity of the event. But even then, Shohei Ohtani wasn’t far from fans’ minds.

A fan decided to use the extra coverage to make his request on national television – “Ohtani come to Seattle”. Simple and straightforward, the bright orange sign said all it needed to. If, by any chance, Ohtani turned on his TV to a college football game, he’d see yet another request from Mariners’ fans.

The Los Angeles Angels player will most likely look for a new home if wants a chance at the postseason in the near future. Leading the AL with 44 home runs, Ohtani hit .304 with 95 RBI, while at the same time going 10-5 with a 3.14 ERA on the mound. Who wouldn’t want to get their hands on a generational talent like Shotime?

But while Seattle fans may have appreciated the call, fans around the league disparaged it.

Baseball Fans Don’t Want Ohtani in Seattle

Who would want one of the most desirable players to end up with a rival team? Ohtani may think of following in his Japanese senpai’s footsteps because Ichiro Suzuki was a Mariners legend.

WATCH THIS STORY – Angelic Heartbreak – Shohei Ohtani’s Departure Leaves LA Angels Fans in Uncharted Disappointment

But every fan wants Ohtani to represent their team colors. They will stop at nothing to criticize Seattle.

One simply labeled it “Embarrassing”.

Another one gave an account of their playoff history.

One thought to commend the fan with the sign.

One fan thinks Ohtani will go to the LA Dodgers.

Free agencies are always exciting to watch, but Shohei Ohtani’s has brought unprecedented speculation. Where do you think he will land next?

READ MORE – Will Shohei Ohtani Fulfill His West Coast Free Agency Wish With a Los Angeles Switch to the Dodgers?