OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 04: Shohei Ohtani rumors #17 of the Los Angeles Angels looks on before the game against the Oakland Athletics at RingCentral Coliseum on October 04, 2022 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
These three surprise teams could make an appearance in the summer and offseason Shohei Ohtani rumors.
It was sometime last summer during an epic Los Angeles Angels losing streak when Shohei Ohtani rumors became a serious topic around the league. The Angels never did trade him but it has become abundantly clear that baseball’s most unique star will test the free agent market while looking for a record contract.
Several teams look like obvious fits. The New York Mets backed by Steve Cohen’s endless wealth are an obvious destination for Ohtani. The Los Angeles Dodgers and their free-spending ways are a match. The San Francisco Giants, especially after not landing Aaron Judge or Carlos Correa, are an obvious team to point toward.
What about some of the other clubs more in the middle of the pack? It’s these three teams who should look to get involved in the Shohei Ohtani rumors next offseason when he hits the open market. One of them might want to even consider a trade.
1) Shohei Ohtani rumors: Why the Cubs could make a run at him
The Chicago Cubs held back this offseason. Their deal with Dansby Swanson was big. Aside from him, they didn’t make any gigantic splashes that will affect the team for years to come. Certainly fitting in the mold as a big market club, the Cubs might be hiding out in the corner hoping to pounce on Ohtani next offseason.
It would be a surprise to see the Cubs underdog such a major rebuild then view Ohtani as the franchise’s savior. The farm system is still progressing while the MLB roster feels like a .500 club at best. They definitely didn’t sign Swanson to play for a loser. It might have simply been the first of bigger moves to come.
The Cubs’ payroll is ranked 13th heading into the 2023 season. Any logical additions they may make before Opening Day may help push them a little closer to the top ten. However, they won’t reach single-digits with what’s left out there for them.
The Cubs have the money and undying loyalty of their fans to become a part of next year’s Shohei Ohtani rumors. They may never have a chance, though. One of their rivals should start looking at him as a trade deadline target already.