- Ohtani is baseball's most coveted free agent after his LA Angels deal expired
- Reports suggest the 29-year-old could decide his future as early as Friday
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
Shohei Ohtani could reportedly decide his next team today, with a number of MLB teams vying for the two-way superstar's signature this season.
Ohtani is baseball's most coveted free agent following the expiration of his contract with the Los Angeles Angels, where he developed into one of the league's standout players over the past five years.
Despite the Angels throwing their name into the ring to re-sign him, DailyMail.com revealed Thursday that the Toronto Blue Jays are the current favorites to sign the now former LA player.
The Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs and Seattle Mariners have also been linked to Ohtani.
According to MLB Network reporter Jon MorosiA decision on the 29-year-old's future is imminent and could be made as early as Friday.
Shohei Ohtani could decide his next team today, with a number of MLB teams in the running
The Toronto Blue Jays are believed to be leading the race to sign the two-way superstar
While there are many different variables at play when it comes to signing with a Canadian team (money being one of them), Ohtani's desire to win is believed to be one of the main reasons he's leaning towards the Blue Jays .
“He feels Toronto will be able to compete in the coming years and he would be a beacon for other free agents to join him in creating a winning team,” a source told Mail Sport. “And he would also be able to live outside of the constant spotlight of LA.”
And while there is some familiarity with the state of California having played for the Angels since moving to North America, playing for the Dodgers can prove daunting as the player values his privacy.
He understands that the Dodgers will remain in the mix for a World Series title, but the free agent also believes that “there's going to be a lot of baggage that comes with being part of that team and always having to be the star off the field while making sure that his star continues to rise on the field.'
Since joining the Angels in 2018, Ohtani has been a star in Major League Baseball and has been compared to Babe Ruth for his two-way skills.
Ohtani is attracted to the lack of pressure in Toronto, like in LA, and their ability to win now
He won AL Rookie of the Year in 2018 and the AL MVP award in 2021.
In 2023, Ohtani led the league in home runs, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, OPS and total bases.
Despite initially being a dark horse in the race to sign him, Toronto now appears to be ahead as Ohtani ponders his next move.
Last season, the Blue Jays made it to the AL Wild Card round before being swept by the Minnesota Twins.