A senior executive from Major League Baseball envisages that Shohei Ohtani might become a part of Canadian baseball by 2024. This speculation as reported by Ken Rosenthal from The Athletic came as the Toronto Blue Jays have emerged as potential ‘dark horses’ for securing the services of the most sought-after free-agent in the impending offseason.
The executive’s perspective steems from the belief that the Blue Jays might have hit pause on the hefty contract extensions they were supposedly planning for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette, as per Rosenthal’s information.
The expiry of George Springer’s six-year, $150 million contract after 2026 also works into this theory coupled with Toronto’s requirement for a left-handed power player.
This isn’t the first time rumors of Ohtani joining the Toronto Blue Jays have surfaced. ESPN’s Jeff Passan had listed multiple teams that could stand a chance to sign the dual-threat star, including heavyweights like the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, and the San Francisco Giants.
Passan also pointed out that a reliable source revealed the Toronto Blue Jays’ big plans for the upcoming off-season. Adding Ohtani to the roster would be quite the sensation. Time is of the essence in making their offer, as predictions are in the air that the 29-year-old sensation might wrap up his decision before the upcoming baseball winter meetings scheduled for the first week of December.
Ohtani, despite being unavailable to pitch in 2024 due to elbow surgery, could help put the Blue Jays on the fast-track towards becoming World Series contenders.
The pitching staff of the opposing teams already find it tough to compete against Toronto’s formidable lineup of Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, and George Springer. Should they manage to add Ohtani, considered among the top hitters in the league currently, it would further bolster their powerful lineup, offering little respite to the adversaries.
The prodigious Los Angeles Angels star hit impressive stats with .304/.412/.654, 44 home runs, 95 RBI and 20 stolen bases in 135 games in the 2023 season. Furthermore, he shouldered the responsibility of leading the team’s pitching staff. Speculations suggest his focus solely on batting post-surgery could see an enhancement in his already remarkable performance at the plate during the 2024 season.
The Toronto Blue Jays, despite their talent-laden lineup, ended up in the third spot in the American League East last season. They are on the lookout for a strategy to supersede the Baltimore Orioles and the Tampa Bay Rays, while keeping at bay attempts from regular giants such as the New York Yankees and the Red Sox. Acquiring Ohtani might just be the rapid boost they need during this offseason.
No doubt, the speculation about Ohtani joining the Toronto Blue Jays raises excitement among their fans. His potential impact on the team does not limit to his exceptional skills as a hitter but extends to the overall spirit and morale of the team
Unless the Blue Jay’s plans shifts, we might witness substantial changes in the team’s formation in the near future. This, in turn, can be a game-changer for the Blue Jays, gifting them both an added advantage and a heightened challenge.
The competition seems fierce with several top-tier teams seen as potential parties interested in Ohtani. Each club presents a unique opportunity and could sway the final decision of where Ohtani eventually decides to sign.
The idea of the Blue Jays acquiring both Ohtani’s exceptional hitting skills and crowd-pulling persona could be a significant threat to other competitive teams. The power dynamics of the American League can be considerably influenced by this potential maneuver.
Factors contributing to the speculated shift includes the Toronto Blue Jays’ evident need for a left-handed batter, deferred plans for extensive contracts with their current players, and the expiry of Springer’s lucrative contract by 2026.
However, it remains to be seen if Shohei Ohtani will agree to change the cockpit from Los Angeles Angels to Toronto Blue Jays. His decision will certainly play a huge part in determining the future course of the league.
The question of Ohtani’s potential tenure with the Toronto Blue Jays is fraught with speculation and anticipation. Until official announcements or deals made with the player his future with any team remains highly speculative.
Some questions and predicaments remain. Would Ohtani embrace the challenges and be the X-factor that propels the Blue Jays past their competitors? Or would he become just another star in an already glittering line-up?
As the winter meetings draw closer, the rumor mill is likely to run amok. For now, fans, teams, and players alike can only speculate and wait for the official transfer window to open before they know where this extraordinary player will carry his talents next.
