MLB Rumors: Donaldson problem, Dodgers trade grade, Braves-Ohtani

MLB Rumors: Could the Braves enter the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes?

Atlanta makes sense as a Shohei Ohtani suitor in theory. Alex Anthopoulos has helped the Braves and Liberty Media save money in the past, specifically with long-term contracts for some of their star players like Ronald Acuña, Ozzie Albies, Matt Olson, Sean Murphy and Spencer Strider. It should be noted that most of these deals are below market value, as the Braves have a habit of signing these players when they are young, and yet to reach their full potential.

However, signing Ohtani to a $500 million-plus contract puts Atlanta out of their comfort zone, as FanSided’s John Buhler notes in a recent article:

"“While Alex Anthopoulos may give Ohtani an offer to come play for the Braves, it will not be anything close to what he will command on the open market. To the highest bidder Ohtani will go! Unless his desire to win is greater than alienating the entire MLBPA, Ohtani is not going to Atlanta.”"

Ohtani has reached his peak value. Anthopoulos will surely try to improve the major-league roster this offseason — and has plenty of questions to answer about the likes of Max Fried — but signing the top free agent of this class goes against the grain for an Atlanta team that is among the smartest front offices in the sport. Were they to add Shohei, it would limit their future roster moves in some capacity.

Shohei was approached earlier this season about what he values in a long-term suitor. Winning, it would appear, is above all else in his mind.

“I really like the team (Angels). I love the fans. I love the atmosphere of the team,” Ohtani said through his interpreter, according to Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times. “But, more than that, I want to win. That’s the biggest thing for me. I’ll leave it at that.”

Ohtani is tired of losing, but he’s ready to make history. Barring anything unforeseen, he will become the highest-paid player in MLB history. It just won’t come in Atlanta.