Shohei Ohtani Team Japan

Arnab Bose

EXPLAINED: What Can The New York Yankees Do To Land Shohei Ohtani?

Needless to say, Shohei Ohtani is the biggest superstar free agent available in the current market. Albeit, there is not much information about where exactly the two-way star wants to move to, he surely won’t sign with the Angels again. Several fans consider Ohtani the GOAT. But to do justice to the title, the Japanese star must play in the playoffs as well. However, with the Los Angeles Angels, that has not been possible in the six seasons he has played in MLB so far.

Of the six seasons, in two of them, the Japanese did something that nobody saw before in baseball. That’s the reason why he is a two-time MVP. However, in 2022, he missed his chance to win the MVP narrowly. If he had won, then he would become one of those rarest players to win three-time MVPs. Anyhow, Shohei Ohtani is great with two MVPs too. Moreover, the Yankees have checked in with the best free agent available in the current market. But they have a long shot at landing Ohtani this offseason.

   

Can The Yankees Acquire Shohei Ohtani This Offseason?

Shohei Ohtani Aaron Judge
Shohei Ohtani Aaron Judge Source: MLB.com

Recently, Jon Heyman of the New York Post mentioned the Mets have a better chance to land Shohei Ohtani than the Yankees. But before that, they must deal with Steve Cohen’s 110% tax. Besides the Dodgers, the Giants and the Cubs are big favorites to seal the deal. On the other hand, the Yankees might concentrate on landing either Juan Soto or Cody Bellinger. Besides the lefty hitters, the NY side is also keen on signing the international superstar pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Hence, the Bronx Bombers already have a few big deals in their plan for the current offseason.

But they still do have a teeny tiny chance of landing Shohei Ohtani. Anyway, the New York Yankees look like will make one or multiple massive moves this season. Moreover, Shohei Ohtani wants to play in the playoffs with his next team. But the NY Yankees failed to make the postseason this year. Hence, the Yankees deal might not entice “Sho-time” a lot like the Dodgers deal or the Rangers deal would. The current champions have a good chance to land Ohtani. Now, only time can tell which team finally lands the two-way Unicorn.

A Lot Of Big Teams Are In Line To Land The Unicorn

Shohei Ohtani
Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani approaches the plate to bat during a baseball game against the Houston Astros on Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)

Since he is a free agent, every team wants to land him. But every team can’t afford the Japanese superstar. Currently, the Los Angeles Dodgers are the favorite team to land Ohtani. Other teams who are in line to do a deal with Shohei Ohtani are the Chicago Cubs, the San Francisco Giants, and the Toronto Blue Jays.

Moreover, the current champions, the Texas Rangers, the New York Yankees, the Seattle Mariners, the Boston Red Sox, and the San Diego Padres, are also in line. On top of that, there’s a teeny tiny chance he might extend his contract with the Angels. However, the LA Dodgers made some space in their payroll for Shohei Ohtani. Anyway, the New York City would love to see the Unicorn join either of their teams.