In case you’ve been living under a rock (or perhaps one of MLB’s new supersized bases), Shohei Ohtani is a free agent.
Far and away the best player available this winter, the longtime Los Angeles Angels two-way star is expected to command more than half a billion dollars. And that’s despite undergoing a second UCL surgery and being unavailable to pitch for the 2024 season.
Who is going to land this once-in-a generation talent? Here’s everything we know — from just how great Ohtani is and how much he could make, to his top suitors and, of course, all the latest news and buzz.
We’re stuffing all that below — so keep checking back for the latest, up until and after Ohtani chooses his next big league destination.
Key link: Our complete free agency tracker
Latest buzz
Nov. 9
Is a position change in Ohtani’s future?
Shohei Ohtani will serve as a designated hitter in 2024 and will look to pitch, and thus return to his role as a two-way player, in 2025.
But could the outfield be in his future?
Executives from the general managers’ meetings in Scottsdale, Arizona, have brought up the possibility of Ohtani transitioning to a corner-outfield spot or perhaps first base eventually in his career. It could at least be a fallback option if at some point he is no longer able to pitch – and it’s yet another indication of the value teams place on Ohtani’s talent even as he is recovering from his second elbow procedure.
Former Angels manager Joe Maddon had Ohtani take some outfield reps during the COVID-19-shortened season in 2020 mostly as a way to keep his body active while he recovered from surgeries and often said he looked natural out there. Ohtani also made 64 appearances as an outfielder during his time in Japan. — Alden Gonzalez
Nov. 8
GMs mum on Ohtani … for now
Jerry Dipoto’s loquaciousness has made him a favorite with reporters at gatherings like the general managers’ meeting, taking place this week in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Ohtani must-reads
• How much is MLB’s ultimate unicorn worth? The Shohei Ohtani True Value Calculator
• ‘A decade of disaster’: As Ohtani’s free agency looms, Arte’s Angels at crossroads
Why going all-in against long odds is Angels’ best hope of keeping Ohtani
Did Shohei Ohtani just have the best month in MLB history?
How to appreciate a unicorn: Ranking the feats that make Ohtani MLB’s ultimate unique star
