Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Photographs
Shohei Ohtani’s free company might be one for the ages after the 2023 MLB season, and ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel supplied some perception in what to anticipate ought to the Los Angeles Angels star hit the open market.
McDaniel canvassed a panel of 26 executives, brokers and insiders from round MLB, a majority of whom pegged Ohtani’s worth at wherever from $500 million to as a lot as $605 million.
A small handful of groups have been floated as potential touchdown spots as nicely:
“Whereas it was too early within the course of for a few of our panel to provide an anticipated vacation spot, six of the 26 responses got here with a thought on the touchdown spot. Two insiders stated the Dodgers, one stated both the Dodgers or Mets, one other stated both the Dodgers or Yankees, the fifth stated both the Dodgers, Padres or Mariners, and the ultimate one selected the Giants.”
McDaniel added there’s “a well-liked perception” Ohtani wish to stay on the West Coast. In that case, the Los Angeles Dodgers might have the within monitor.
The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reported in December how the Dodgers would possibly already be seeking to protect the monetary flexibility required “for the participant they really need”: Ohtani. That might clarify why L.A. had a considerably muted offseason.
It is easy to see why the 28-year-old is such a tantalizing goal and one whose worth is tough to really venture. He stays an elite hitter in 2023, boasting a .295/.366/.512 slash line by way of 33 video games, and he is an ideal 4-0 with an American League-high 59 strikeouts by way of seven begins.
Ohtani’s earlier Tommy John surgery raises issues about how lengthy he can proceed to excel as a two-way participant. There might come a time when he has to surrender pitching and change into a full-time place participant.
Nonetheless, the 2021 AL MVP is perhaps in line for a record-setting contract even when he have been solely a hitter.
Ohtani’s off-field enchantment provides to the general package deal. McDaniel described him as “the uncommon participant who will substantively change ticket gross sales, rights offers and sponsorships.” Due to that, extra groups will likely be incentivized to make a real pursuit.
A return to the Angels cannot be fully off the desk, both, since they’re second within the American League West at 19-16. Their latest monitor document is not nice, however making the playoffs is perhaps sufficient to tip the scales of their favor.
For many followers, it’s going to most likely really feel a bit underwhelming if such a singular free company in the end ends with Ohtani going to one of many common suspects such because the Dodgers or New York Yankees.
