The Toronto Blue Jays have emerged as surprise contenders to sign MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani this offseason.
Ohtani has been one of baseball’s best since coming to America in 2018 and has spent his entire MLB career with the Los Angeles Angels.
Yet, with the franchise not making a playoff appearance since the now-29-year-old Ohtani’s arrival, and the Japanese sensation being not currently under contract, it could be the ideal time to move to Canada, per the New York Post.
Ohtani is thought to be the biggest free agent in the league’s existence and is expected to demand the largest contract in MLB history.
Fellow Angel Mike Trout signed a 12-year, $426.5-million deal that added two years and a massive pay bump to a current contract in 2019.
Shohei Ohtani won’t pitch again until 2025, but his value as a hitter is almost unmatched
The Los Angeles Angels will try their hardest to not see the superstar play for another team
The largest free-agent contract in league history was signed by New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge last offseason with a nine-year, $360-million deal, with New York retaining the power hitter.
The Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, and Angels are also believed to be heavily involved in the Ohtani sweepstakes as well.
Other teams could emerge as the process plays out, with the World Series champion, and Angels’ American League West rival Texas Rangers, reportedly turning their focus to other players in recent days.
The Blue Jays finished the regular season 89-73 in 2023 and were a Wild Card team. They were swept in two games by the Minnesota Twins to end their season.
Ohtani has won two of the last three American League MVP Awards, thanks in part due to his ability as a hitter and pitcher.
His value didn’t drop despite undergoing elbow surgery in September, and Ohtani isn’t expected to pitch again until the start of the 2025 season.
