MLB insider links Cubs to Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes
By Rylie Smith
Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani’s future is unclear as club owner Arte Moreno is considering selling the team. The Cubs could be a potential suitor.
Los Angeles Angels club owner Arte Moreno is pondering selling the team, which may put star Shohei Ohtani on the market. According to MLB insider Jon Morosi, the Chicago Cubs could be a “serious contender” if he’s dealt during the offseason.
Ohtani is under club control until 2023, so he’d likely be extremely costly. Morosi predicted, “Now for the Cubs, it would cost multiple, probably three or four elite prospects.”
Ohtani has been a star since he arrived in MLB and was targeted at the trade deadline, but the Angels weren’t willing to part ways with the versatile player. If he lands with the Cubs, he could positively help the team.
Shohei Ohtani would have a major impact on the Chicago Cubs
The 28-year-old pitcher often serves as a designated hitter as well, so he could be utilized in many ways to help Chicago. He has solid skills in both areas. This season, he’s produced an ERA of 2.67, batting average against of .214 and WHIP of 1.06.
He’s slashed .265/.358/.516 for an OPS of .874. However, Ohtani is a major asset in Los Angeles, so it’s understandable why he’d probably be a costly investment for any team.
He would, however, help the Cubs lineup and rotation. They fall mostly below league average in both areas. Chicago has the 11th-worst batting average (.240) and 14th-worst on-base percentage (.312). They fall right in the middle with the 15th-best slugging percentage (.390) and 16th-best OPS (.702).
Chicago is slightly worse with their rotation. They have the seventh-worst ERA (4.27), ninth-worst opponent batting average (.251) and sixth-worst WHIP (1.34).
Ohtani would certainly help bring the lineup and rotation in the right direction and could make the Cubs solid playoff contenders.
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