American League designated hitter/pitcher Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (17) Stephen Brashear-USA TODAY Sports

Analyst floats 'longest of longshots' as possible Shohei Ohtani destination

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 7/14/23

MLB analyst and broadcaster Kevin Frandsen said Thursday night that there's a chance that Shohei Ohtani could end up with baseball's best team -- the Atlanta Braves.

Though the former infielder admits that Ohtani landing with superstar Ronald Acuna Jr. may be the "longest of longshots," he also says that given the club's financial situation, it's a possibility.

Could Shohei Ohtani end up with the @Braves? Don't rule it out, says @KevinFrandsen

Full Episode: https://t.co/DnuKEbuSnJ pic.twitter.com/EUyX82nhzD
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) July 14, 2023

What Frandsen doesn't make clear is whether he sees Atlanta as more likely to pull off a blockbuster trade for the 2021 AL MVP or if they'll wait until he hits free agency following the 2023 campaign.

Coming out of the All-Star break, the Braves seem to have a great shot at earning their second championship in three years. They have one of, if not the best lineup in MLB and despite ace lefty Max Fried being limited to five starts this season, the team still has the best record in the game at 60-29. Fried is scheduled for his second rehab start on Saturday, as he works his way back from a forearm injury, so could be back in the starting rotation before the end of July.

Atlanta hasn't been mentioned much as a potential destination for the two-way stud, but some fellow senior circuit competition in the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets and San Francisco Giants have been involved in rampant rumors. The New York Yankees have also, unsurprisingly, been a popular group heard in the chatter.

The 2023 MLB trade deadline is Aug. 1.

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