Shohei Ohtani stands as the preeminent luminary in the realm of baseball in our current era. It seems highly probable that Ohtani will seek to align himself with a genuine championship contender during the 2023 offseason, harboring genuine aspirations of clinching a World Series victory in 2024, notwithstanding a setback due to an injury that disrupted his 2023 campaign. Sadly, not all will be in contention for the opportunity to acquire Ohtani’s services. Here exist 10 MLB Teams presumed to be mere pretenders in the race to secure Shohei Ohtani:
San Francisco Giants:
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – JULY 03: Elaborate view of a logo featured on a San Francisco Giants attire during a regular season clash between the Seattle Mariners and San Francisco Giants on July 3, 2023, at Oracle Park in San Francisco, CA.
The San Francisco Giants held the status of a perennial NL West dominion during the 2010s, clinching three World Series Championships in 2010, 2012, and 2014 respectively. Nevertheless, the Giants have failed to generate substantial postseason triumphs, evidenced by unsuccessful playoff campaigns in 2016 and 2021. The current lineup of the Giants falls short of the escalating competition posed by the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, and Arizona Diamondbacks. While Ohtani could effectively elevate the Giants’ on-field ethos, projecting them as postseason contenders, their glory days seem to be a thing of the past. They represent an unsuitable match for Ohtani’s desires, as he fervently aims for immediate success. Additionally, the Giants have parted ways with manager Gabe Kapler and are still in the process of reorganization.
Miami Marlins
MIAMI, FL – MARCH 29: A comprehensive view of the new Marlins logo showcased on the scoreboard at Marlins Park before the match between the Miami Marlins and the Colorado Rockies at Marlins Park on March 29, 2019, in Miami, Florida.
The Miami Marlins garnered unexpected attention during the 2023 playoffs, advancing to the Wildcard stage before succumbing to the Philadelphia Phillies. Ohtani could potentially propel the Marlins beyond their playoff stumbling block, reintroducing them to the World Series for the first time since 2003. However, the Marlins lack the financial capacity to entice Ohtani to South Beach. Despite Ohtani’s potential to enhance the team, the Marlins may continue to thrive based on their 2023 Wildcard performance, enabling them to capitalize on that momentum for a more robust postseason campaign in 2024.
Chicago Cubs
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – JUNE 21, 2023: An up-close view of the Chicago Cubs logo embellished on the jersey worn by Christopher Morel before a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on June 21, 2023, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The Cubs recently concluded yet another lackluster season, failing to secure a postseason berth for the third consecutive year, despite finishing the year with an 83-79 record. Ohtani’s inclusion could undoubtedly infuse a cyclonic force, potentially causing a stir in the Windy City with his exceptional talent. Regrettably, the Cubs lack a roster that could facilitate Ohtani in achieving his ambition of clinching a World Series trophy with the current lineup that they possess. Moreover, the financial implications of acquiring Ohtani seem insurmountable in the near future.
Tampa Bay Rays
ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA – JUNE 04: An elaborate display of the Tampa Bay Rays pride burst emblem, commemorating Pride Month during a matchup against the Chicago White Sox at Tropicana Field on June 04, 2022, in St Petersburg, Florida.
The Rays commenced the 2023 season as the most formidable team in baseball, boasting a remarkable 23-6 record in April. However, the team’s momentum waned as they clinched the second spot in the AL East, trailing behind the Baltimore Orioles. Ohtani’s addition to the Rays could rekindle their World Series prospects for 2024, but their financial constraints might necessitate a significant overhaul of the roster to accommodate Ohtani’s substantial contract demands, potentially jeopardizing their future prospects by neglecting or squandering talent within their farm system.
St. Louis Cardinals
ST. LOUIS – OCTOBER 19: Groundskeepers shield home plate with a tarp as security vigilantly monitors fans lingering in the stands following the St. Louis Cardinals’ 5-1 defeat against the Houston Astros in Game Six of the National League Championship Series on October 19, 2005, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri. With this victory, the Astros clinched the series 4-2, advancing to the World Series. The game marked the final event in the 40-year history of Busch Stadium, with a new stadium (currently under construction) set to become the new abode of the Cardinals upon the commencement of the 2006 MLB regular season.
The Cardinals find themselves reeling from a calamitous 2023 season, culminating in a bottom-place finish in the NL Central. Ohtani’s introduction could potentially illuminate the team alongside All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado. Nonetheless, the Cardinals would need to reconfigure their roster in line with the substantial contract demands Ohtani would present. This course of action appears improbable given the Cardinals’ lack of immediate championship aspirations.
San Diego Padres
MILWAUKEE, WI – MAY 13: A San Diego Padres cap rests in the dugout during the face-off against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on May 13, 2016, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The Padres flaunt one of the most lavish payrolls in baseball, positioning them as potential suitors for Ohtani. However, existing financial commitments to players like Xander Bogaerts, Joe Musgrove, and Manny Machado could complicate any pursuit of Ohtani. Should the Padres make a move for Ohtani’s services, they would face arduous decisions, potentially involving sacrificing highly-paid stars, slashing other vital positions on the roster, and depleting their farm system to enable a win-now approach with Ohtani at the forefront. While Ohtani’s presence in San Diego would undoubtedly infuse excitement in the short term, the exorbitant long-term costs for the Padres pose a significant concern.
Texas Rangers
NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 24: A Texas Rangers batting helmet in the dugout prior to a confrontation against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on June 24, 2017, in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Rangers emerged victoriously with an 8-1 win.
The Rangers emerged as an unforeseen presence in the MLB Postseason this year, eyeing a World Series bid.After a intense seven-game battle with local rivals the Houston Astros. Given their current lineup, they might consider pursuing Ohtani and adding him to a team with All-Star caliber talent that aided the Rangers in reaching the World Series. However, keeping in mind, the Rangers already have Jacob DeGrom, Corey Seager, and Max Scherzer firmly in place, at least for now. Bringing Ohtani onboard could strain their finances significantly, potentially requiring one of the Rangers’ key players to either be let go or accept a lower salary to make room for him.
Baltimore Orioles
BOSTON, MA – JUNE 25: The Baltimore Orioles logo is visible on a batting helmet during a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park on June 25, 2015 in Boston, Massachusetts.
The Orioles showcased as a promising young squad during the 2023 MLB season, making a playoff run before being ousted by the Texas Rangers in the ALDS. Should they opt to add Ohtani to their roster, it would necessitate a revamp of their farm system and likely a reshuffle of some key members of the pitching rotation that contributed to the Orioles’ postseason appearance. This could be an outstanding chance for a short-term ambition of chasing an immediate World Series victory for the O’s. Yet, the Orioles are presently focused on their long-term objective of establishing a formidable winning team with their existing resources. The timing might simply not be optimal!
Minnesota Twins
BOSTON, MA – June 4: The Minnesota Twins logo is displayed during the fifth inning of the match against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on June 4, 2015 in Boston, Massachusetts.
Like the Baltimore Orioles, the Minnesota Twins had a commendable postseason journey in 2023 until they were defeated by the Houston Astros in the ALDS by a margin of three games to one. While Ohtani could potentially sign with the Twins, it might necessitate parting ways with talents such as Jorge Polanco, Max Kepler, or Christian Vasquez to accommodate him. The Twins currently have Royce Lewis as their designated hitter (DH) and are striving to maintain competitiveness in the AL Central with their existing roster.
Toronto Blue Jays
TORONTO, ON – JULY 14: Fresh TD Bank logo featured on the Toronto Blue Jays jerseys during a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Rogers Centre on July 14, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Despite a premature exit from the 2023 Wildcard for the Blue Jays against the Minnesota Twins, they remain a budding team in baseball. Ohtani could potentially thrive up north, but Toronto shouldn’t get overly excited! There are more promising destinations for Ohtani to explore in the AL East, teams that are better equipped than the Blue Jays. Potential frontrunners for 2024 in this division include the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees, and possibly the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves from the NL East. While anything is possible, it’s unlikely that the Blue Jays will be making a move for Ohtani anytime soon.
