Shohei Ohtani John Leyba-USA TODAY Sports

Shohei Ohtani will not be dragging his free agency out very long, according to a new report.

Ohtani’s free agent negotiations are already entering their “final stretch,” according to Ben Nicholson-Smith of SportsNet. A small group of teams is expected to meet with Ohtani’s representatives in Los Angeles this weekend, setting up a final decision as early as this week.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are viewed within the industry as the frontrunner for Ohtani. The Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants and Toronto Blue Jays have also been linked to the two-way star, while three other teams appear to have taken themselves out of contention.

MLB’s Winter Meetings begin on Sunday, so it would make sense for Ohtani to make a decision before those conclude. His contract could break records and looks likely surpass $500 million, regardless of where he ends up signing.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Mavericks advance to Western Conference Finals aided by controversial call late
Connor McDavid, Oilers hammer Canucks to force Game 7
Tyson Fury-Oleksandr Usyk epic increases excitement for potential rematch
Seize the Grey wins in muddy Preakness
Even Mike Budenholzer admits the Suns need a point guard
Watch: Juan Soto's first multi-homer game as a Yankee
Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa lead at PGA Championship
Knicks could get major boost for Game 7 showdown with Pacers
Giants All-Star pitcher suffers setback in recovery from injury
Panthers star named winner of 2024 Selke Trophy
WNBA to investigate $100,000 sponsorship deals for Aces players
Tiger Woods blames one big factor for missing the cut at PGA Championship
'Ain't good enough': Draymond Green claims Celtics must 'win it all' or it's a 'failure'
Blue Jays GM wants struggling club to feel 'massive sense of urgency'
Raptors expected to flip former NBA champion during the offseason
MLB insider reveals Mets' massive extension offer that Pete Alonso turned down
Celtics legend provides update after gruesome finger injury
Bulls hire former NBA head coach as top assistant
Chiefs move on from young running back
20-year MLB veteran working out, unsure about playing future