Realistic landing spots for Shohei Ohtani revealed

The race to land two-way superstar free agent Shohei Ohtani is nearing the finish line.

ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan named the Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs and Toronto Blue Jays as clubs "still in the bidding" to win Ohtani's signature. Passan said the San Francisco Giants "have long had a fondness for Ohtani, though where they stand in these sweepstakes is unknown." 

Additionally, Passan mentioned that the Boston Red Sox, New York Mets and World Series champion Texas Rangers are among clubs that "have turned their attention to other players."

The Dodgers have long been seen as the favorites to sign Ohtani due to his alleged desire to remain on the West Coast, their recent history of success and the fact they can match his financial asking price. The Cubs seem to be going big-game hunting this offseason and may aggressively pursue Mets All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso if Chicago misses out on Ohtani. Meanwhile, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported Thursday that "one rival said he could see [Ohtani] liking the relatively low-key environment" in Toronto. 

It's been thought since last winter that Ohtani would leave the Angels as a free agent following the 2023 season, but Alden Gonzalez of ESPN noted earlier this week that the two-time American League Most Valuable Player could re-sign with the only MLB home he's thus far known via a deal that could allow him to test free agency again as soon as next fall. Ohtani isn't expected to pitch before the spring of 2025 after he underwent surgery in September to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. 

"One source said he believes Ohtani will receive a contract for at least $550M," Passan wrote. "Another said the bidding could reach $600M...Fears that the reconstructive elbow surgery that will prevent Ohtani from pitching in 2024 -- and has led to understandable questions about his future on the mound -- would put a damper on his free agent value have clearly proved unfounded."

Passan previously said Ohtani could announce his decision before the winter meetings scheduled to begin in Nashville on Monday. Whichever club he chooses, that organization is about to get quite the early Christmas present.