The MLB’s annual winter meetings are fast approaching and things are getting hotter.
While baseball fans sit on their phones all weekend waiting for an update on two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani, ESPN MLB Insider Jeff Passan shared a few new details about who remains in the Ohtani sweepstakes.
While some prospects have dropped out of the bidding process and others are adamant about signing the Japanese superstar, it’s unclear whether the Giants want to pursue Ohtani.
“It would be foolish to rule out a high-volume team even though the field for Ohtani’s services has now been narrowed down, sources said,” Passan reported Friday morning. “The Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox and New York Mets, who were among the initial group of suitors, have turned their attention to other players, sources said. Among those confirmed by sources to still be on offer: the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, Toronto Blue Jays and Angels.
“The San Francisco Giants have long had a fondness for Ohtani, but it is unknown where they stand in this sweepstakes.”
Of course, unknown doesn’t necessarily mean outside. The Giants could hold back to respect Ohtani’s reported desire to keep his free-agent meetings private. Passan reported last month that Ohtani would blame the organization if meetings with teams were leaked.
What is far from a secret, however, is San Francisco’s interest in Ohtani.
The Giants haven’t been afraid to go “all in” on the former Los Angeles Angels star. MLB Network’s Jon Morosi reported that the Giants are “putting all their hearts and finances” into signing Ohtani or another top free agent, starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
Ohtani was unanimously named the American League’s Most Valuable Player after his dominant two-way season in 2023. It is the second time in three seasons that he has won AL MVP unanimously, making him the first two-time unanimous MVP in MLB history.
Reports suggest the 29-year-old could sign soon, possibly at or before the MLB Winter Meetings Dec. 4-7 in Nashville.
The Dodgers have long been considered the favorite to sign Ohtani, but as of now, it’s anyone’s guess.
Download and follow the Giants Talk Podcast