The Shohei Ohtani Sweepstakes continues to be the most compelling storyline of the Hot Stove season, with the situation potentially coming to a dramatic conclusion during the Winter Meetings, which begin Monday in Nashville.
While clubs like the Dodgers, Giants and Cubs are repeatedly discussed as contenders for Ohtani, another little-known suitor, alongside the Angels, has begun to gain momentum in the public discussion. That would be the Blue Jays.
Several different reports over the last few days indicate that they are in the mix for the two-way superstar. One from ESPN’s Jeff Passan on Friday called Toronto one of the teams known to still be in the bidding (subscription required).
So why would the Blue Jays make sense for Ohtani? Here are five reasons.
1. You must take advantage of this competitive window
Not long ago, it seemed that the sky was the limit for this era of Blue Jays baseball. The organization developed a wave of young talent and sought to supplement it through free agency and trades to bring Toronto (and Canada in general) its first World Series title since back-to-back championships in 1992–93.
Although the team has been largely successful over the last four seasons, it is difficult not to feel frustrated and dissatisfied with the final results. The Blue Jays have not won more than 92 games in a season during that span (although the 2020 season was shortened), nor have they won an AL East title and finished above third place just once. While the expanded playoff appearances resulted in three trips through October, none resulted in even a single win in a postseason game. Toronto was eliminated from the Wild Card round in 2020, 2022 and ’23.
That means: This team absolutely has to take the next step – while it is still capable of doing so. Toronto expects to be competitive in 2024 with or without Ohtani, but the clock could be ticking. Franchise cornerstones Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette both have two seasons left before reaching free agency, and so far there is no sign that either will agree to an extension. Recent free agent acquisitions Chris Bassitt (age 35 in 2024), George Springer (age 34) and Kevin Gausman (age 33 in 2024) are all getting older, and the Jays’ farm system was just upgraded by MLB Pipeline in August Ranked 25th.
In other words, the time is now for Toronto to strike, even in a difficult AL East stretch. Get Ohtani, get the ring and rewrite the history of the 2020s Blue Jays.
2. A large left-handed bat fits perfectly here
In 2023, only two teams have had fewer plate appearances and only three fewer home runs by left-handed hitters than the Blue Jays, and two of their top three left-handed hitters (Brandon Belt and Kevin Kiermaier) are now free agents. The only left-handed hitters (or switch-hitters) in the team’s current projected lineup are Cavan Biggio, Daulton Varsho and Nathan Lukes, a 29-year-old rookie.
So who better to add to the roster than an elite left-handed hitter who is currently leading the AL in home runs and ranks fourth in the majors in that category since 2021? While one could certainly overstate the importance of right- and left-handed balance, placing Ohtani in the middle of Springer, Bichette and Guerrero would help prevent opposing managers from attacking Ohtani with left-handed replacements. And regardless of handedness, this quartet would be as impressive a top group as in the MLB.
3. Your DH spot is wide open
The only real downside for a team adding Ohtani to the lineup is that he is entrenched at DH. (Not that Ohtani isn’t athletic enough to handle a position, but he won’t be doing so while recovering from his elbow injury in 2024.)
Having a full-time DH could cause problems for a team with another player who needs that spot, but that’s not necessarily a big problem for the Blue Jays compared to other clubs. Toronto’s primary DH in 2023 was Belt, who is now a free agent. In fact, general manager Ross Atkins said during last month’s GM meetings that the team was “open” to adding a DH-first player.
The only caveat is that Ohtani’s presence would prevent the Blue Jays from using the DH spot to rest Guerrero, Springer or any other starter who is banged up or needs a day off. But that shouldn’t be a barrier to pursuing one of the best players in the sport.
4. His return to the mound can wait
Of course, Ohtani won’t be a pitcher in 2024. And every MLB team would miss him. That being said, the Blue Jays are better prepared than most to navigate without Ohtani’s presence on the mound this upcoming season.
Toronto’s rotation was incredibly solid in 2023, with its top four starters all taking the ball at least 31 times. All four are back in year 24. And just six pitchers started 158 of the team’s 162 games, with only Hyun Jin Ryu (11 starts), a free agent, not expected to return from that group.
Toronto will need Ohtani’s pitching skills more in 2025, when Yusei Kikuchi will be a free agent and Bassitt will be 36 and entering his walk year. So this time frame fits Ohtani’s recovery well.
5. An international star in an international city
It just sounds right, doesn’t it? Ohtani is a megastar with international appeal and he would be joining the only major league team based outside the United States. In addition to playing in a large, diverse city, the Blue Jays have represented an entire country since the Expos headed to Washington after the 2004 season.
In addition to everything he brings to the field, Ohtani would also provide any club with tremendous marketing opportunities. However, given their unique situation, this could be even more valuable for a team like the Blue Jays, who are owned by Rogers Communications, which also broadcasts the games on its own television network (Sportsnet).
At the same time, playing in Toronto would likely provide Ohtani with a less intense environment than, say, New York, Los Angeles or even Chicago. Although we can only speculate here, this could be desirable for a player like Ohtani, who remains very private off the field despite his enormous fame.
Ultimately, it’s hard to say what Toronto’s chances are of actually getting Ohtani. But it’s a pairing that makes a lot of sense.