Shohei Ohtani Rumors: NL Central Team Emerging as a 'Sleeper Pick' for Former Angels Star

Let the sleeper team talks begin!

The winter of Shohei Ohtani is upon us, and this is a narrative that isn't going away anytime soon. The Angels two-way superstar is expected to leave the organization, but the team is also cautiously optimistic in keeping him around.

He will have no shortage of suitors this offseason in free agency, and Ohtani is expected to land a massive deal, even with his torn UCL. We are starting to see some teams emerge from the pack, and we have a new one being reported.

MLB insider Bob Nightengale of USA Today is listing one NL Central team as a sleeper pick to land Ohtani this winter. He is reporting that the Chicago Cubs may make a run to land Ohtani since they have a ton of payroll coming off their books this offseason.

“The Chicago Cubs are the sleeper pick, several GMs say, particularly with $43 million coming off their books with the expiration of Jason Heyward’s contract and Marcus Stroman opting out.”

Per Bob Nightengale of USA Today

Chicago has been looking to make a big splash for some time now, and Ohtani would be the biggest of all. They did sign shortstop Dansby Swanson last offseason, so this could be the second straight-aggressive winter for the Cubs if they were to sign the two-way superstar.

Additionally, the idea of playing alongside Japanese outfielder Seiya Suzuki could entice Ohtani and may allow him to consider the Cubs. He surely is talking to Suzuki about what it has been like playing in Chicago, and Suzuki is likely trying to recruit him to come to town.

Ohtani may enjoy playing in Wrigley Field, but the Cubs could end up being another Angels situation for him. They haven’t done much of anything of late and failed to reach the postseason once again this past season.

The biggest priority for Ohtani is winning, and the Cubs may not be able to provide that year in and year out. He isn’t getting any younger, and the clock is ticking on his career, especially given all of the injuries that he has suffered over the years.

The Angels would love to have Ohtani back, but that remains a pipedream at this point. This saga is far from being over, and we are going to hear about new teams becoming involved almost daily until the Ohtani sweepstakes concludes.