Big-market MLB clubs like the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, San Francisco Giants and Chicago Cubs have been linked to free agent two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani.
But according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, a surprise American League contender could emerge as a player in the Ohtani sweepstakes as well:
“The Toronto Blue Jays, said a source with knowledge of their plans, “want to do something big” this winter. Ohtani fits, especially with Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. due to hit free agency after the 2025 season.”
The 29-year-old Ohtani is expected to land the richest contract in MLB history this winter. Many believe that the 2021 American League MVP and generational talent will get $500 million-plus on his next deal.
Despite playing in a giant market as well, the Blue Jays rarely started spending big in free agency until 2019. That winter, Toronto handed ex-Los Angeles Dodgers star Hyun-Jin Ryu a four-year deal worth $80 million.
That was followed by the blockbuster signing of All-Star outfielder George Springer (six years, $150 million), a seven-year, $131 million extension for pitcher Jose Berrios and a five-year, $110 million deal for pitcher Kevin Gausman.
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The Blue Jays certainly have the resources to offer Ohtani a lucrative contract. And they’d unquestionably be the team to beat in the American League, with Ohtani bolstering a top-five rotation and a dangerous lineup led by Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Last season, Ohtani hit .304 with 44 homer runs, 95 RBI and a ridiculous OPS of 1.066. As a pitcher, he went 10-5 with a 3.14 ERA and 167 strikeouts.
