The New York Yankees had a slim to no chance of landing Shohei Ohtani. After all, he is the biggest free agent available in the market. And for that matter, Ohtani can sign the biggest free-agent contract in the league’s history. Currently, there are two teams who have the best odds to land the Unicorn – the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays. Moreover, the NY Yankees were also on the list of Interested teams to land Shohei Ohtani. But the Japanese superstar did not like the “Yankees lifestyle” of too high media market.
Moreover, certain experts claim that Shohei Ohtani would prefer to move to Canada’s Blue Jays. And why not? He already rules Japan and the United States Of America. Now, he has a good chance to rule Canada. He will likely take that chance. But for the Yankees, they went for the next best thing available in the market. And in another way it is a better option for the NY side with Juan Soto.
Yankees May Prosper Better With Juan Soto Than With Ohtani
Moreover, the fans and experts asked the question why the NY side failed to make the postseason. Clearly, the answer was their horrible offense. Also, the long Injured List sure played a big factor. But the Yankees had the second worst batting average in 2023. They were only better than the Oakland Athletics. Moreover, the Bronx Bombers wanted a lefty slugger in their mix. And for that Juan Soto was a perfect choice.
Juan Soto had 35 home runs in 2023, so the short porch in the Bronx should add plenty more, right? Statcast says: maybe not –> https://t.co/wh1DqxqAaK pic.twitter.com/NBNDIoz8tc
— Home Run Report (@homerunreport) December 7, 2023
Moreover, there is a risk element at present with Shohei Ohtani, as he won’t be able to pitch next season. Hence, many teams, including the Yankees, might not take a risk to offer him a long term deal. Anyway, they have issues with their payroll as well. Hence, signing Juan Soto for a year was a far better option. Who knows if the NY side might like to extend his contract at the end of the season for a long-term deal as well?
Greatness Of The Unicorn
In the last 100 years, MLB fans and experts have not seen a player like the Unicorn. There’s a good reason why the fans and experts call him the Unicorn. Moreover, there has never been as productive a two-way star as the Japanese sensation in the last century. After the 2023 season, Shohei Ohtani earned his second American League MVP. He could have become a three-time MVP already if he didn’t lose the race narrowly in 2022.
Moreover, he could have won three MVPs in a row. Anyhow, the tragic story of Ohtani with the Los Angeles Angels is that he was part of that franchise for six year. He performed so well that he won a couple of MVPs. However, he never was able to make the postseason with the Angels. Hence, the Ohtani fans want the superstar to choose a team which has high possibility of making the playoffs next season.