Shohei Ohtani Rumors: New York Analyst Doesn't See Yankees' Owner Paying Up for Angels Star

Too rich for the Bronx?

Shohei Ohtani's anticipated free agency sweepstakes are finally here after the Japanese superstar's contract with the Angels has now expired. 

Six seasons in Anaheim without playoff baseball may lead Ohtani to a new baseball home but some speculate one major player out of such an equation. John Harper of SNY doesn't expect the high-spending Yankees to enter the mix for the Japanese superstar.

"I just don't see Hal Steinbrenner going to that extreme. Even with the elbow injury, he's not going to pitch next year, his bidding going to start at $400 million almost and I don't think Hal's going there. I think they're going to find other ways."

via John Harper, SNY

Deep pockets and big free agent contracts litter Yankees history as recent as last offseason when 2022 MVP Aaron Judge inked a nine-year, $360 million to remain with New York. 

Gerrit Cole and Giancarlo Stanton's similarly massive contracts on the Yankees payroll also indicate Steinbrenner's willingness to spend for the roster he wants. 

However, New York's first season since 2016 without playoff baseball may change such a philosophy into slashing costs rather than adding to them despite Ohtani's talents. 

Steve Cohen shares a similar big market and big checkbook as the Mets could make a play for this year's presumed AL MVP for the second time in his career. 

Alongside countryman Kodai Senga, superstar Francisco Lindor and slugger Pete Alonso, Ohtani's place at Citi Field would be quite the sight to see. 

Early reports indicate that the two-way unicorn will still receive a huge contract despite his inability to pitch due to his elbow tear in late August.

Anaheim's in-state rival also appears in play for Ohtani's services especially if the Dodgers' makeshift, transitional roster is unable to win the World Series in 2023. 

It doesn't sound like Ohtani will end up in pinstripes, but the bidding war might come between the Yankees' in-state rival and the Halos' in-state rival for one of the best baseball has ever seen.