The Toronto Blue Jays were initially seen as dark horses in the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes, a team with a non-zero chance but with few realistic chances of landing him.
The market dynamics changed, and that’s not the case anymore: the Blue Jays are a legitimate candidate to win the race and bring in the global star.
Perhaps they are not quite favorites, but they are definitely in the race.
Ohtani and the Blue Jays are believed to have met at the team’s Spring Training facility in Dunedin on Monday, and that’s definitely not insignificant.
Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins was asked about what separates his team from other potential suitors in their pursuit, and he gave an in-depth answer.
“What separates Toronto in free agency ahead of every other team, as they reportedly pursue Shohei Ohtani? @BlueJays General Manager Ross Atkins makes the case for Toronto as a free agent,” MLB Network Radio tweeted with audio of the interview.
What separates Toronto in free agency ahead of every other team, as they reportedly pursue Shohei Ohtani? @BlueJays General Manager Ross Atkins makes the case for Toronto as a free agent.#WinterMeetings | #HotStove pic.twitter.com/V9C3KMGrOc
— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) December 5, 2023
“If you just talk about the city of Toronto, that he represents a nation (Canada), that we now have the best resources as it relates to getting players better, our player-focused facilities that will be in Rogers; the ability to acquire players at every level, to maximize spending in amateur and international, to be able to trade for players, to be able to go after high-caliber free agents like George Springer, Kevin Gausman and Chris Bassitt… that’s an exciting and easy thing to sell,” the executive said.
The Blue Jays appear to have every intention of being a powerhouse for years to come.
If they add Ohtani to an already strong foundation that includes the players Atkins mentioned plus homegrown stars Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, and Alejandro Kirk (plus others), Toronto could be very, very tough to beat.
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