Jul 1, 2023; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) on deck before hitting against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the sixth inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
MLB: Arizona Diamondbacks at Los Angeles Angels
(New York, NY) – Prior to the 2018 MLB season, when Japanese phenom Shohei Ohtani was weighing where to sign as a free agent, the word was that East Coast teams weren’t being considered.
Ohtani ultimately whittled his options down to several California squads, the Angels (who later signed him), the Dodgers, Giants, and Padres – as well as the West Coast-based Mariners, Chicago Cubs, and Texas Rangers.
Now, as he prepares to enter free agency once again, Ohtani is reportedly open to the East Coast. In fact, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet says the Toronto Blue Jays could have an inside track. He reports Ohtani has “taken notice” of the Blue Jays’ player-development system and how they’ve put resources into that area. Specifically regarding how Ohtani is approaching free agency overall, Davidi says the pitcher-slugger is “more open” to an East Coast team, according to “industry chatter in recent weeks.”
So, that theoretically means both of New York City’s teams are in play. The New York Mets are certainly in the market – as are the Yankees – given both teams failed to reach the postseason. Yankee Stadium as more of a hitter’s park may appeal to Ohtani – who would certainly strike an imposing figure and hit plenty of “bombs” in the Bronx. The Mets’ Citi Field is more traditionally seen as a pitchers park, and carry a strong legacy of frontline starting pitching, spanning Seaver, Gooden, and DeGrom.
That said, Ohtani isn’t expected to pitch this upcoming season as he’ll be required to undergo Tommy John surgery after injuring the UCL in his elbow. But the recovery time frame is quicker when it comes to batting, and Ohtani plans to DH next season.
Of course it’s also worth noting that Ohtani had Tommy John surgery previously, so this will be his second. Plenty of power pitchers have struggled to return to form after undergoing TJ surgery a second time, so investing in Ohtani (the pitcher) carries some additional risk.
