The bidding is expected to be fierce for two-way star Shohei Ohtani this offseason — and with good reason.
Ohtani is the No. 1 star in the game, and a number of teams are expected to pursue his services. The expectation in the industry is that Ohtani would prefer to remain on the West Coast, perhaps with the Los Angeles Dodgers, or the Seattle Mariners. Or even the Los Angeles Angels, for whom he’s played his entire MLB career.
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But veteran baseball writer Peter Gammons has speculated that the Red Sox might have something of an advantage if they choose to get into the Ohtani sweepstakes.
“N.L. Executive long familiar with (Shohei) Ohtani believes he is interested in Boston, partly because of his relationship with New Balance CEO Jim Davis,” Gammons wrote on his Twitter account. “Bosox. problem: Masataka Yoshida has to DH, Ohtani off TJ must DH, Sox $ mostly going to pitching.’’
After being diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow last month, Ohtani faces the prospect of a second Tommy John surgery after the season, which will preclude him from pitching in 2024. In the meantime, it’s expected he may be ready to serve as a DH by mid-season next year.
Gammons, however, notes that the Red Sox would like to shift Yoshida from left field to DH. Yoshida has had a strong first year with the Red Sox with the bat, slashing .289/.342/.451 with 14 homers and 68 RBI. But Yoshida has been an adventure in left field, with -6 defensive runs saved, according to Baseball Info Solutions.
Ohtani has an endorsement deal with New Balance, which is based in Brighton, Mass.
