Since the Texas Rangers won the Commissioner’s Trophy, every baseball executive, player, agent, and fan has been wondering where Shohei Ohtani will end up next.
It is not hyperbole to say that Ohtani is the most sought-after free agent in the history of the game. It would not be an exaggeration to state that his final decision and contract details will shape the rest of MLB free agency this offseason and for several years to come.
Not since Babe Ruth’s era has baseball seen a true two-way great like Ohtani. When the two-time (and reigning) American League MVP returns to the mound in 2025, he has the potential to become the ace of almost any of the 30 teams. At the same time, his hitting ability alone would be worth hundreds of millions of dollars as an immediate power bat upgrade that every MLB team want.
Here’s the latest on Ohtani’s free agency.
Although Ohtani is highly regarded by people in charge of all 30 organizations, the rumor mill has been quiet about his free agency. His agent, Nez Balelo, has kept everything under lock and key throughout the process.
He’s gone so far to do so that ESPN insider Jeff Passan reported, “If visits between Ohtani and a team are reported publicly, it will be held against the team.”
MLB’s annual Winter Meetings between top executives began on Sunday. The event is normally one of the biggest catalysts of team personnel moves via trade and free agency each offseason.
