Inside The Cardinals

Cardinals Rival Reportedly Could Land Superstar Shohei Ohtani In Possible Devastating Move

One Cardinals rival reportedly could land superstar Shohei Ohtani this offseason

Patrick McAvoy

Cardinals Rival Reportedly Could Land Superstar Shohei Ohtani In Possible Devastating Move
Cardinals Rival Reportedly Could Land Superstar Shohei Ohtani In Possible Devastating Move /
In this story:

The St. Louis Cardinals have plenty of work they need to do this offseason if they want to get back to contender status.

St. Louis was the best team in the National League Central division in 2022 with 93 wins. The Milwaukee Brewers finished in second place but were seven games back of the Cardinals. It was widely expected that the Cardinals could be even better in 2023, but things didn't pan out for them and they won just 71 games and finished in last place. 

The rival Chicago Cubs took a step forward and increased their win total by nine games from 2022 to 2023 with 83 wins. Chicago possibly could get even better this offseason -- and make the NL Central division much more difficult. The Cubs reportedly will pursue Los Angeles Angels two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani this offseason, according to ESPN's Jesse Rogers.

"Ohtani, now the biggest free agent in the history of the sport, is deciding where he wants to play next, and the Cubs are again interested in courting him, according to sources familiar with the situation," Rogers said. "Ohtani is expected to win his second American League Most Valuable Player Award when winners are announced Thursday evening. Everyone knew he could pitch, but what he's done at the plate over the past six seasons has been eye-opening -- for fans and executives alike."

If the Cubs were to land Ohtani, it would be devastating for the Cardinals. Ohtani arguably is the best player in baseball. Even if he can't pitch in 2024, the Cubs would still be significantly better thanks to his bat in the middle of the lineup. Ohtani likely will return to the mound in 2025 and make the Cubs even better. 

It's too early to tell if the Cubs can land Ohtani, but they were a finalist for his services before and could be again. Cardinals fans should be keeping a close eye on Ohtani and the Cubs this offseason.

More MLB: Ex-Cardinals Hurler Could Be Mets Target This Offseason Despite Disappointing Season

Published
Patrick McAvoy
PATRICK MCAVOY

Patrick McAvoy's experiences include local and national sports coverage at the New England Sports Network with a focus on baseball and basketball. Outside of journalism, Patrick also is pursuing an MBA at Brandeis University. After quickly rising as one of the most productive writers on the site, he expanded his reach to write for Baseball Essential, a national baseball site in Sports Illustrated Media Group. For all business/marketing inquiries regarding Inside The Cardinals, please reach out to Scott Neville: nevilles@merrimack.edu