Shohei Ohtani has inked the largest baseball contract in history, signing a 10-year, $700 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Toronto Blue Jays were also contenders for Ohtani, causing a frenzy among fans and analysts. It’s speculated that the Blue Jays could have afforded Ohtani, but it seems that Ohtani’s decision to stay in California was the deciding factor.
Adding Ohtani to any team instantly improves their lineup, as he is a dual threat in hitting and pitching. Even though he may not pitch much in the upcoming season, his presence as a designated hitter and potential rotation player could have boosted the Blue Jays’ lineup. Ohtani’s impressive batting and pitching stats from last season demonstrate the impact he could have had on the Blue Jays’ roster.
Ultimately, it is unclear why Ohtani chose the Dodgers over the Blue Jays. Speculations include geographical preferences as well as concerns about his recovery from elbow surgery. It’s possible that Toronto was hesitant to take a risk on such a high-stake investment.