All eyes since the start of the offseason have been on Shohei Ohtani. And for the most part, there hasn’t been much to see.
The two-way phenom is the most sought-after free agent in MLB history, with his combination of talent and marketability making him a franchise-changing player.
And the bidding for Ohtani could be winding down soon. Multiple reports have indicated Ohtani could sign at some point during the winter meetings, which are scheduled to take place from Dec. 3 through Dec. 6.
Many of the top teams are expected to be in the mix for Ohtani. The Dodgers and Cubs are among the top teams expected to be aiming to sign the two-time AL MVP, and plenty of others should continue to compete through the end to land him.
Here’s the latest on Ohtani’s free agency pursuits.
MORE: Projecting Shohei Ohtani’s contract in free agency
Shohei Ohtani news: Latest updates, rumors for MLB free agency
Decision from Ohtani ‘imminent’
Date: Friday, Dec. 8
Source: Jon Morosi, MLB Network
The wait could soon be over. MLB Network’s Jon Morosi reported Ohtani is expected to make his decision soon, reporting it could come as early as Friday. Coincidentally, Ohtani made his original decision to sign with the Angels on Dec. 8, 2017, six years to the day.
Dave Roberts says Dodgers met with Ohtani
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 5
Source: Alden Gonzalez, ESPN
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters Tuesday that the team met with Ohtani for 2-3 hours over the weekend. Roberts said Ohtani is “clearly” the Dodgers’ top priority, adding that the team is confident the two-time MVP will pitch again. Roberts wasn’t able to offer a timeline for Ohtani’s decision.
Cubs losing optimism in signing Ohtani
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 5
Source: Bob Nightengale, USA Today
The Cubs have been viewed as one of Ohtani’s likeliest destinations for a while. It appears that might no longer be the case. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported one high-ranking executive believes the Cubs’ optimism of signing Ohtani “has now significantly wanted.” The report stated that leaves the Dodgers, Blue Jays, Angels and Giants as the remaining finalists.
Ohtani has ‘positive feeling’ about Blue Jays
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 5
Source: Jon Heyman, The New York Post
The Blue Jays reported met with Ohtani on Monday, but even before he went to talk with the team, Ohtani reportedly had a “positive feeling about Toronto,” along with other cities and teams, including the Dodgers. He has been linked to Toronto and Los Angeles throughout the process.
Blue Jays ‘believed’ to have met with Shohei Ohtani
Date: Monday, Dec. 4
Source: Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic
While one report earlier Monday indicated Ohtani isn’t expected to sign before the end of the Winter Meetings, the process seems to be moving along.
The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reports Ohtani is “believed” to have met with the Blue Jays at the team’s complex in Florida on Monday, far away from the meetings in Nashville. The Blue Jays have been pursuing Ohtani and Juan Soto in hopes of striking a deal for one of the two stars.
Braves are reportedly ‘engaged’ with Ohtani’s camp
Date: Dec. 4
Source: Jon Morosi, MLB Network
It’s not surprising that any and all teams should be interested in Ohtani’s services, but imagine the Braves landing the superstar? According to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, the Braves are “engaged” in talks with Ohtani’s camp. Imagine a lineup consisting of Ohtani, Ronald Acuna Jr., Ozzie Albies, Austin Riley and Matt Olson?
Sources: Braves are among the teams still engaged with Shohei Ohtani’s camp, as I reported in this @MLBNetwork segment. @MLB pic.twitter.com/lP4lISzttN
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 4, 2023
Ohtani has already received several $ 500+ million offers
Date: Dec. 3
Source: Jon Heyman, NY Post
It’s no surprise the bidding for Ohtani is heating up, with the star expected to sign soon. And New York Post’s Jon Heyman reported Ohtani has already received several deals that have topped $ 500 million, which could mean he winds up being the first $ 600 million player in MLB history. He added there are believed to be five teams in the running for Ohtani.
Ohtani decision coming this week
Date: Dec. 3
Source: Jon Morosi, MLB Network
With the winter meetings set to begin in Nashville, it seems a resolution is near for Ohtani. MLB Network’s Jon Morosi reports the superstar is “likely to decide on a team within the next week,” according to a source.
Ohtani race starting to clear up
Date: Dec. 1
Source: Jeff Passan, ESPN
Two days before the start of the winter meetings, the picture on Ohtani is beginning to clear a bit more. ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported the Rangers, Red Sox and Mets appear to be out of the running for Ohtani, while the Dodgers, Cubs, Blue Jays and Angels remain in the mix. The Giants are considered to be an unknown.
In addition to the teams, Passan also reported Ohtani is expecting a contract somewhere between $ 550 and $ 600 million, which would be the largest guaranteed contract in North American sports.
Blue Jays could alter roster with Ohtani signing
Date: Nov. 30
Source: Jon Heyman, New York Post
The Blue Jays are one of the teams believed to still be among the strongest in the mix for Ohtani. The New York Post’s Jon Heyman reported there could be some changes if Ohtani signs with the Blue Jays, however, reporting that some rivals believe Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. could hit the trade block if Toronto lands the star.
Trading the two infielders might seem counterproductive to signing Ohtani in the first place. Those two would be the biggest supporting bats in the lineup around Ohtani. However, both are free agents after the 2025 season, and given the added payroll of signing Ohtani, it’s possible Toronto would view keeping the other two phenoms as too pricey.
