Shohei Ohtani, the two-way sensation who has taken MLB by storm, is set to become a free agent in 2024. Almost every other team, including the New York Yankees and New York Mets, has displayed significant interest in the Japanese star. However, the only thing standing between Ohtani and Yanks is the former’s massive market value.
Shohei Othani’s free agency bid will likely start from $400 million. That’s way high for any top-tier team in MLB, let alone the New York Yankees. Moreover, the two-way sensation previously expressed his displeasure about pitching in the iconic Yankee stadium. However, recent rumors circling around the market suggest that maybe the Angels star has had a change of heart. Can it be a blessing in disguise for the dejected Bombers?
Shohei Ohtani Willing To Commit To East Coast, Suggests Fresh Rumors!
Shohei Ohtani has redefined what it means to be a two-way player in modern baseball. He excels both as a pitcher and as a power-hitting outfielder, making him a unique and invaluable talent. Naturally, a player of Othani’s caliber would want to be a part of a championship-winning team. Right now, his current team, Los Angeles Angels, lacks that quality. Thus, the two-way sensation decided to enter free agency in 2024 and regain control of his future. Interestingly, Ohtani endured a UCL injury during the last stretch of the 2023 season, which will keep him from pitching in 2024.
However, the setback is unlikely to lower his market value significantly. Shohei Ohtani is a generational player and can secure any team’s future for the next decade. Having said that, the two-way player was earlier committed to signing with a West Coast team as he was accustomed to the conditions. However, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet recently claimed that Ohtani had had a change of heart. And is now open to hearing offers from an east coast team. This should boost the New York Yankees’ chances significantly. They remained front runners to land Ohtani amongst the East group. While the Red Sox and Mets could pose a real threat, the storied history of the franchise should lure the two-way sensation to the Bronx. Undoubtedly, the salary cap is high. But at the same time, it’s a risk worth taking for the Yankees to end the 13-year-long wait for a World Series title.
Cody Bellinger: The Next Hot Stop For Yankees!
The New York Yankees are realistic about their chances of landing Shohei Ohtani in free agency. Thus, they are keeping their options open. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the team’s obvious free agency choice is Chicago Cubs outfielder Cody Bellinger. Apparently, the market of offensive starters is slim, and Bellinger is the most sought-after choice amongst the free agents group.
Having said that, the pursuit of Cody Bellinger won’t be a cakewalk for the New York Yankees. The Cubs, who are determined to construct a championship-caliber team, will fight tooth and nail to keep Bellinger in their fold. But at the same time, the Yanks’ highly priced long-term contract would push the Cubs out of competition.
