Will Big-Spending Texas Rangers Spend Bigger for Free Agent Shohei Ohtani?

The Texas Rangers have spent plenty of money, but pursuing Shohei Ohtani may put the World Series champs at a different level.

Recent contract predictions for Shohei Ohtani by the New York Post may test the limits of the spending of Texas Rangers owner Ray Davis.

Ohtani, who won his second American League MVP award earlier this week, is set to hit free agency after turning down the Los Angeles Angels’ $20.235 million qualifying offer, which would have been a guaranteed deal for 2024 as he works back from a torn UCL.

The Rangers are believed to be contenders for Ohtani’s services, who is unquestionably the No. 1 free agent on the market.

Shohei Ohtani may be in line for a free-agent contract anywhere between $400-$600 million / Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

On Monday, a report from CBS Sports said that Ohtani was less concerned about geography and more concerned about going to a team that can be competitive and give him a chance to go to the playoffs, something he has not done in his Major League career.

The Rangers just won their first World Series, in part due to their significant financial outlays for players like second baseman Marcus Semien and shortstop Corey Seager.

So, what might it take to lure Ohtani to Texas, or to anywhere else for that matter? It might just take the record-setting deal just about everyone believes he’ll get.

One expert that talked with the Post gauged Ohtani’s deal at 11 years and $535 million. That would eclipse baseball’s largest single deal, the $426.5 million, 12-year deal for Angels outfielder Mike Trout.

The Post’s Jon Heyman predicted that Ohtani would a 10-year deal worth $600 million, which would net Ohtani $60 million per year.

Another expert projected Ohtani would sign a 10-year, $400 million deal, that would come with an opt-out after the 2024 season, giving him another chance to test free agency after his UCL fully recovers.

Ohtani and his representatives have made it clear that while Ohtani is open to being solely a designated hitter in 2024, he is intent on continuing to be a two-way player once fully rehabbed from surgery.

Ohtani finished 2023 with a slash line of .304/.412/.654/1.066 with 44 home runs and 95 RBI, with his homers leading the American League. As a pitcher he went 10-5 with a 3.14 ERA with 167 strikeouts and 55 walks.

For his career, he is a three-time All-Star, the 2018 AL Rookie of the Year and the 2021 AL MVP. He’ll find out later this week if he’s an AL MVP for the second time.

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You can find Matthew Postins on Twitter @PostinsPostcard.

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