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One Main League Baseball government believes Shohei Ohtani could possibly be taking part in north of the border in 2024.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported the chief sees the Toronto Blue Jays as a “sleeper” for the offseason’s largest free-agent prize.
“The exec’s rationale is that this: Any plans the Jays needed to signal Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette to large extensions may now be on maintain,” Rosenthal wrote. “George Springer’s six-year, $150 million contract expires after 2026. The staff stays in want of left-handed energy.”
This is not the primary time the Blue Jays have been linked to Ohtani.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan listed quite a few groups as potential suitors for the two-way star, together with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, Texas Rangers, Boston Pink Sox, New York Mets and San Francisco Giants.
Nevertheless, he additionally cited a supply who stated the Blue Jays “need to do one thing large” this offseason, and including Ohtani will surely match the invoice.
They might not have a lot time to make their pitch contemplating there was speculation that the 29-year-old might make his determination earlier than baseball’s winter conferences, that are scheduled for Dec. 4-6.
Regardless that Ohtani will not have the ability to pitch in 2024 due to elbow surgical procedure, his presence would instantly elevate the Blue Jays onto the brief checklist of World Collection contenders.
Opposing pitching staffs have already got their fingers full with a Toronto lineup that options Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette and George Springer. Including Ohtani, who’s arguably one of the best hitter within the league at this level, would imply there are few breaks all through a lineup that will be loaded with energy.
The Los Angeles Angels star slashed .304/.412/.654 with 44 house runs, 95 RBI and 20 stolen bases in 135 video games in 2023. He did all that whereas additionally anchoring the staff’s pitching workers, so it will not be a stretch to counsel he could possibly be even higher on the plate in 2024 with all of his consideration targeted on the hitting facet of the sport.
Toronto completed in third place within the American League East final season and must discover a method to make up floor on the Baltimore Orioles and Tampa Bay Rays all whereas holding off any pushes from the same old suspects within the New York Yankees and Pink Sox.
Signing Ohtani can be the quickest method to do exactly that this offseason.
