Shohei Ohtani is the most coveted free agent in MLB history and figures to receive a record-setting contract from the team he signs with.
However, a recent report suggested that Ohtani is open to signing a short-term deal so he can re-establish his value as a pitcher and test free agency again in the near future.
The two-way star is expected to be sidelined from pitching next season after undergoing elbow surgery but should return to the mound in 2025.
According to David Vassegh of AM 570 L.A. Sports Radio, Ohtani would only sign a short-term contract if he returns to the Los Angeles Angels and a long-term deal that includes opt-outs with any other team:
“If Ohtani goes back to the Angels, I’m told that he would sign a short-term deal, somewhere between one and three years at the most. But if Ohtani goes elsewhere, Dodgers, Cubs, Giants, you can bet that it would be at least a 10-year contract, and also with opt-outs during the life of that contract. That’s what people around baseball are speculating and that’s the information I’m getting from people that are on the periphery, like we all are when it comes to Ohtani, but when it comes to the team side of it, that’s what many of them are expecting. A long-term contract that will have Ohtani to have quite a few opt-outs.”
Ohtani’s free agency has largely been a mystery so far, but the Los Angeles Dodgers are considered the favorites to sign him due to their geographic location, deep pockets and recent history of winning.
It is believed that Ohtani prefers to remain on the West Coast and particularly Southern California. Also playing in the Dodgers’ favor is their longest active playoff streak of 11 consecutive seasons and ability to give the 29-year-old any contract he wants.
While Ohtani figures to be the subject of a bidding war, he reportedly is focused on joining a team he fits best with rather than signing the biggest deal.
Giants could outbid Dodgers for Shohei Ohtani
Despite various factors potentially working against them, a report indicated the San Francisco Giants may end up making the most lucrative contract offer to Ohtani.
The team was aggressive in free agency last year by making offers of more than $300 million for Aaron Judge and Carlos Correa. Judge preferred to re-sign with the New York Yankees, while the Giants’ medical team raised issue with Correa’s physical.
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