Padres Rumors: Rival Executive Shuts Down Shohei Ohtani to San Diego This Offseason

He doesn't see Shohei joining San Diego in the offseason.

No one should count out the San Diego Padres from signing Shohei Ohtani this upcoming offseason. However, one rival exec doesn't think it's going to happen.

“There’s no way they can afford him,” one rival exec said to Jon Heyman of the New York Post.

However, no one thought the Padres could afford Xander Bogaerts the same offseason they signed Manny Machado to a huge extension while also having Fernando Tatis, Jr. on a massive contract. But they did.

The Padres have proven they like to make national headlines during the offseason when they give out mega contracts. At some point it must end, though, especially after their TV deal ended. Most baseball people would be shocked if the Padres signed any player to a mega deal in the 2023—2024 offseason, and that starts with Ohtani.

Ohtani damaged some of his incredible value when he tore his UCL. Of course, he can’t pitch again this season and may not pitch next season, although that's yet to be determined. Most teams will keep a watchful eye on Ohtani to see if the elbow injury will affect his incredible power — but thus far, it hasn't.

While Ohtani is an awesome starter with 99+ miles-per-hour fastball and a wicked split-finger, he might be the best power hitter in the game. His 44 home runs lead the major leagues.

If Ohtani chooses not to pitch again, he is still a remarkable player. He can help any baseball organization win, and should get a mega contract whether he pitches or not.

But knowing him, he's going to continue doing both, and doing them both at an elite level.

The likelihood of the Padres signing Ohtani is extremely slim. It isn’t because they can’t afford him, rather because they have their own fish to fry in terms of a potential Juan Soto contract extension and retaining the likes of Blake Snell and Josh Hader.