Jul 28, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) reacts after grounding out against the Toronto Blue Jays during the eighth nning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports Nick Turchiaro/USA TODAY Sports

Dodgers Analyst Jerry Hairston Jr. & Toronto TV Host Sid Seixeiro Trade Barbs Over Shohei Ohtani

Originally posted on Dodger Blue | By Matthew Moreno | Last updated 12/8/23

With Shohei Ohtani potentially closing in on his free agency decision, most believe the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays have separated themselves from fellow finalists.

The Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Angels are still believed to be part of the Ohtani sweepstakes as well. As the two-way star nears a potential decision, SportsNet LA analyst Jerry Hairston Jr. gave an impassioned free agency pitch as to why Ohtani should sign with the Dodgers.

That drew a response from Sid Seixeiro, a host on Toronto’s famed “Breakfast Television” morning show. He took particular exception to Hairston’s comments about tax rate, weather and needing to listen to two national anthems before games.

Seixeiro also pushed back against Hairston’s claim that the Dodgers would keep Ohtani in World Series contention on a regular basis.

Mic drop @TheRealJHair with the sales pitch to Shohei Ohtani. pic.twitter.com/oGUTFt0Bxo

— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) December 7, 2023

.@sid_seixeiro has a very important message for Shohei Ohtani pic.twitter.com/fsNLAwLKb5

— Breakfast Television (@breakfasttv) December 7, 2023

All Love. #LA #Dodgers #Canada pic.twitter.com/QsSdxrycjT

— Jerry Hairston, Jr. (@TheRealJHair) December 8, 2023

While accurate, Seixeiro cited the Blue Jays’ two championships to the Dodgers’ one since 1992. However, the Dodgers have the most-recent World Series win between the two teams.

Moreover, the Blue Jays have three titles since the franchise was created in 1977, which is the same amount as the Dodgers during that span.

Seixeiro’s retort also included a criticism of Hairston’s playing career and knowledge of the Dodgers, a team he played two years for.

Hairston offered a brief response by keeping the focus on Ohtani and toasting to Canada for their endless support of the Blue Jays.

When will Shohei Ohtani sign?

After an initial belief that Ohtani would potentially sign during the Winter Meetings, that quickly became apparent it was unlikely. Now the 29-year-old is expected to make his free agency decision at some point this weekend.

This article first appeared on Dodger Blue and was syndicated with permission.

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