Shohei Ohtani Linked to Unexpected AL Contender, Says MLB Insider

His potential signing with the Toronto Blue Jays could tip the balance of power in the American League.

Baseball’s annual winter meetings begin Sunday in Nashville, and the top storyline to follow is the pursuit of superstar free agent Shohei Ohtani. 

The market for Ohtani appears to have narrowed down to the Dodgers, Angels, Cubs, and perhaps the Giants, with the Rangers, Red Sox, and Mets reportedly bowing out. However, a longtime MLB insider reports that a surprise team is emerging as a potential suitor.

The Blue Jays are a late entry to the competition for Ohtani, according to the New York Post’s Jon Heyman. It’s unclear whether or not the two-time American League MVP will visit Toronto to meet with the team, but the Jays have supposedly heard that he’s enjoyed playing there. 

Canada’s exchange rate could make it difficult for Toronto to pay Ohtani in American dollars, especially the $500 million deal he’s expected to attract. But it’s believed that the two-way star might prefer a calmer environment and media market, much like he dealt with in Anaheim during his six seasons with the Angels. 

Two-time AL MVP Shohei Ohtani is expected by many insiders to move on from the Angels in free agency :: Brett Davis/USA Today network

The Jays have a DH spot open for Ohtani in their lineup. Last season, Brandon Belt got the majority of at-bats as Toronto’s DH and provided a .858 OPS and 19 home runs. But Ohtani would bring a massive upgrade in production.

Adding Ohtani’s home run power to an already formidable lineup including Vladimir Guerrero Jr., George Springer and Bo Bichette surely would affect the balance of power in the AL.