After six seasons as a two-way player with the Los Angeles Angels, Shohei Ohtani is primed to sign a record-setting contract that could potentially reach $600 million in free agency.
Ohtani is coming off a season that saw him post 10 wins above replacement (WAR) between his contributions as a hitter and pitcher en route to a second career American League MVP Award.
Aside from his on-field production, Ohtani can bring value to an organization through marketing, sponsorships and merchandise sales due to his immense popularity among fans.
An anonymous league executive noted that MLB owners are intrigued with the economic impact Ohtani can have on their organization, via Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic:
“This guy’s economic impact is amazing,” said one league source, who was granted anonymity in exchange for his candor. “Sophisticated billionaires who run these teams understand that they’re going to get a great ROI (return on investment) regardless.”
Ohtani’s generational talent and marketability makes him the most coveted free agent in MLB history, and team owners clearly feel they will get the most of their investment.
Ohtani is expected to make a decision in the coming days, with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays, Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants and Angels believed to be among the finalists.
Ohtani met with the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium last week, and it was also reported that he visited the Blue Jays and Giants. “This is obviously a front office, baseball operation situation,” manager Dave Roberts said of the Dodgers’ meeting with Ohtani.
“They’re working tirelessly, and there’s a lot of scenarios and ways that this could go. But clearly Shohei’s our top priority. So I still think that we’ve got a lot of people working on other things ultimately to be the best ballclub we can be.”
‘Momentum’ building toward Shohei Ohtani signing with Blue Jays?
As Ohtani nears his free agency decision, there is a belief that the Blue Jays are making progress toward signing the 29-year-old superstar.
Ohtani reportedly met with the Blue Jays at their Spring Training facility in Dunedin, Florida, last week.
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