These three surprise teams could make an appearance in the summer and offseason Shohei Ohtani rumors.
It was sometime last summer during an epic Los Angeles Angels losing streak when Shohei Ohtani rumors became a serious topic around the league. The Angels never did trade him but it has become abundantly clear that baseball’s most unique star will test the free agent market while looking for a record contract.
Several teams look like obvious fits. The New York Mets backed by Steve Cohen’s endless wealth are an obvious destination for Ohtani. The Los Angeles Dodgers and their free-spending ways are a match. The San Francisco Giants, especially after not landing Aaron Judge or Carlos Correa, are an obvious team to point toward.
What about some of the other clubs more in the middle of the pack? It’s these three teams who should look to get involved in the Shohei Ohtani rumors next offseason when he hits the open market. One of them might want to even consider a trade.
1) Shohei Ohtani rumors: Why the Cubs could make a run at him
The Chicago Cubs held back this offseason. Their deal with Dansby Swanson was big. Aside from him, they didn’t make any gigantic splashes that will affect the team for years to come. Certainly fitting in the mold as a big market club, the Cubs might be hiding out in the corner hoping to pounce on Ohtani next offseason.
It would be a surprise to see the Cubs underdog such a major rebuild then view Ohtani as the franchise’s savior. The farm system is still progressing while the MLB roster feels like a .500 club at best. They definitely didn’t sign Swanson to play for a loser. It might have simply been the first of bigger moves to come.
The Cubs’ payroll is ranked 13th heading into the 2023 season. Any logical additions they may make before Opening Day may help push them a little closer to the top ten. However, they won’t reach single-digits with what’s left out there for them.
The Cubs have the money and undying loyalty of their fans to become a part of next year’s Shohei Ohtani rumors. They may never have a chance, though. One of their rivals should start looking at him as a trade deadline target already.
2) Shohei Ohtani rumors: Why the Cardinals could make a run at him
No team may have a better chance at acquiring Shohei Ohtani at this year’s trade deadline than the St. Louis Cardinals. Their farm system is stacked and the major-league roster has players the Angels would love to immediately add. The Cardinals have enough young players to spare in order to acquire Ohtani before he even gets to free agency. And even if they wait, they’ll have money to spend in free agency.
The Cardinals have a whole lot of starting pitchers hitting the open market next offseason. Adam Wainwright, Jordan Montgomery, Jack Flaherty, and Miles Mikolas are all on expiring contracts. They’re going to need to get active in the free agent pitching market. Ohtani can fill that need while also becoming their permanent DH.
It may come as a bit of a surprise to some to see the Cardinals with the 16th-highest payroll at the moment. They’re slightly above the league average and paying their players less than the Cubs, Boston Red Sox, and Colorado Rockies. They’re doing this with the reigning MVP and third-place finisher in the middle of their lineup, too.
Imagine the Cardinals with Paul Goldschmidt batting third, Ohtani batting fourth, and Nolan Arenado hitting fifth. It’s monstrous. It’s something the baseball world needs to see happen.
3) Shohei Ohtani rumors: Why the Mariners could make a run at him
Ranked way down as the 18th-highest payroll in the sport, the Seattle Mariners getting involved in next winter’s Shohei Ohtani rumors would be delightful. The franchise has had a phenomenal history of employing Japanese-born players with Ichiro Suzuki headlining the list.
What’s more, the Mariners would be stealing Ohtani away from one of their rivals. Taking him away from the Angels would be the kind of power move that Seattle needs to make in order to prove they can be a favorite in the division.
The Mariners are going to have a hard time keeping up with the Angels, Houston Astros, and Texas Rangers if they aren’t willing to spend money. They have been more aggressive in recent years. Extensions for Luis Castillo and Julio Rodriguez suggest they are willing to build for the future while competing now.
Seattle won’t be able to acquire Ohtani in a trade deadline deal because of the state of their farm and sharing a rivalry with the Angels. Unlike the Cardinals, they’ll need to wait until the offseason.
It’s hard to know what Ohtani will want in free agency, aside from the biggest deal possible. If staying out west is something he desires, no team is sneakier than the Mariners to make it happen. They can sign him to a $50 million per year contract and not even go over the luxury tax. It’s something they should have on their minds already.