Shohei Ohtani, the Japanese superstar, has recently signed the largest contract in baseball history with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 10-year deal is worth a staggering $700 million. While there were other teams in the running for Ohtani’s signature, the Toronto Blue Jays were considered the closest to landing him. However, despite their efforts, Ohtani ultimately chose to stay in California.
If Ohtani had joined the Blue Jays, it would have had significant implications for the team. Firstly, there were financial considerations. It was estimated that the club that signed Ohtani would have to pay between $500 and $600 million. The Blue Jays have an active total payroll of $128,964,255 for 2024, which could have accommodated Ohtani’s contract. They had the financial means to sign him, but it seems that staying in California was a more enticing prospect for the Japanese star.
Adding Ohtani to any lineup instantly improves it. He is a dual threat, excelling both as a hitter and a pitcher. While he may not pitch much or at all in 2024 due to elbow surgery, he could have filled the designated hitter role and formed a formidable rotation with Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the Blue Jays’ current DH. Ohtani’s presence would have strengthened the team’s mound presence and aided the improvement of their catchers.
In terms of statistics, Ohtani’s numbers speak for themselves. Last season, he had 151 hits, a .304 batting average, and hit 44 home runs, placing him fourth in the league. He also recorded 95 RBIs. As a pitcher, he threw for 23 games, had 163 strikeouts, and an ERA of 3.14. These impressive stats would have made him one of the Blue Jays’ top batters and pitchers based on last season’s performance.
Ohtani not only brings exceptional talent but also provides relief to a Blue Jays roster that struggled with leaving players stranded on base. His addition could have unlocked the team’s full potential, similar to how Michael Jordan elevated the Chicago Bulls upon his return in 1995. Talented players of Ohtani’s caliber have the ability to bring drive and competitiveness to any team they join.
So, what went wrong for the Blue Jays in their pursuit of Ohtani? The exact details of his decision are yet to be disclosed, but there are a few possibilities. One factor could be geographic proximity, as staying in California allows Ohtani to remain relatively close to his home country of Japan. Another consideration might be concerns about his longevity following elbow surgery. A $700 million investment is a significant risk, and the Blue Jays may have been hesitant to commit without full confidence in his ability to perform at his previous level.
Ultimately, Ohtani’s decision to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers instead of the Toronto Blue Jays marks a significant moment in baseball history. While the Blue Jays were close to securing his services, it was not meant to be. However, this does not diminish the excitement and anticipation surrounding Ohtani’s future with the Dodgers, as he continues to captivate fans with his remarkable talent on both sides of the game.