When Shohei Ohtani arrived in the Majors, we knew that his plan was to play for a team located near the coast of the United States. Aside from the Cubs, the teams he was interested in were all coastal, and in the end, it was with the Angels that he made his niche.
And I don’t think I need to tell you that we’re talking about a city very close to the west coast.
That said, the perception in the industry was that Ohtani preferred to play in the west as it was a bit closer to his native Japan. And with its autonomy arriving in a few months, teams in the region hope that is still the case.
However, according to his former manager Joe Maddon, it is not impossible that the Japanese let himself be tempted by the east coast, a sacrifice he could make in order to win.
I dare to believe that the Mets and the Yankees are rubbing their hands when they hear this.
Maddon feels his former protege has Really loved the taste of victory at the World Classic and that it could weigh very heavy in his decision. So, if Ohtani feels a club on the other side of the country gives him more chances to win, he might be willing to make that sacrifice.
Does that necessarily exclude the idea of seeing him stay in the west? No, especially if the Dodgers decide to pull out the checkbook for him. It would give him an ideal destination to win, while staying in the west.
One thing is certain: Ohtani’s case will continue to be talked about over the coming months. All the big clubs on the circuit have him in their sights at the moment (at least, I dare to believe that is the case, otherwise there would be serious questions to ask), and until he has signed, his name will circulate widely.
I still have a feeling he’ll end up with the Dodgers, but if Maddon is telling the truth, the Mets’ odds just went up a bit.
