The Toronto Blue Jays have a lot of work ahead of them this summer to complete their lineup, as several important daily players are scheduled to hit free agency. The front office could handle these requirements in a lot of ways, but how about bringing in the biggest fish of them all—Shohei Ohtani?
The Blue Jays seem unlikely to sign the former AL MVP, who can throw as well as bat (when healthy), as MLB free agency continues, but others in the business think Toronto has better prospects than most anticipate.
At least one opposing MLB executive, citing Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, thinks the Blue Jays could be considered a “sleeper” team for Ohtani this offseason.
The executive observes that although the Blue Jays are definitely interested in signing Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to long-term contracts, adding left-handed hitters is very necessary. Furthermore, Ohtani is the best of all of them.
Rosenthal’s sources aren’t the only ones who suggest the Blue Jays would be serious competitors for Ohtani. The Blue Jays want to “do something big” this offseason, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, who also points out that Ohtani would definitely fit the bill and seems to be hinting at a possibility.
Thus, even if the Blue Jays might not be the team that brings up Ohtani in conversation, it’s feasible Toronto has a big impact in free agency. We will quickly learn the truth.
