With Aaron Nola re-signing with the Philadelphia Phillies, the first big piece is off the board from the free agency pool that features Shohei Ohtani.
Ohtani and his representation have remained incredibly discreet about any and all negotiations for his next landing spot. Most recently, the two-way star accepted his second Most Valuable Player Award, his second as a member of the Los Angeles Angels.
Early speculation in what the contract for Ohtani would look like is both in the long-term of 10 years or more. But some buzz is that he could be open to a short-term deal to boost his value once hes able to pitch following the 2024 season.
The top teams including the Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, and San Francisco Giants are the teams that have been linked to Ohtani. Aside from the Angels, MLB insider Mike Rodriguez reported that the Chicago Cubs are potentially set to offer the phenom a ‘lucrative’ contract offer.
Source: The Chicago Cubs are preparing a very lucrative offer for the Japanese sensation Shohei Ohtani to trying to bring him to the Windy City, Cubs are really serious about this guy #Cubs #Chicago #ShoheiOhtani pic.twitter.com/APKAvOFSGH
— Mike Rodriguez (@mikedeportes) November 16, 2023
The Cubs stand to lose left-handed, multi-position stud Cody Bellinger and would greatly benefit from pairing Ohtani with outfielder Seiya Suzuki, who they signed to a 5-year, $85 million deal prior to 2022.
Shohei Ohtani makes history with unanimous MVP Award
Ohtani previously won the 2021 MVP Award in unanimously, making him the 20th Baseball Writers’ Association of America MVP Award winner and the first in the award’s history to do so multiple times.
He posted a .304/.412/.654 slash with 26 doubles, eight triples, 44 home runs, 95 RBI and 20 stolen bases in 599 plate appearances this past season (135 games). He was the only player in MLB with five or more triples and 35 or more homers.
Ohtani winning the 2023 MVP Award is the seventh MVP award in Angels history, joining Don Baylor (1979), Vladimir Guerrero (2004), Mike Trout (2014, 2016 & 2019), alongside the two-way star’s 2021 win.
The Angels are the first team since the San Francisco Giants to win five MVP awards in a 10-year span.
Make sure to follow Angels Nation on Twitter for all the latest news and updates surrounding the Halos!
