Even after trading for six players before the trade deadline, the Los Angeles Angels failed to make the 2023 postseason. The latest question on every baseball fan’s mind is where Shohei Ohtani will sign next. Many teams could use this MVP two-way player; only a few have the big bucks to spend on him. At 29 years old, Ohtani is in his prime and wants to be part of a championship ball club. Although Ohtani won’t pitch during the 2024 season due to suffering a UCL tear, he’ll be a powerful designated hitter for whatever team he signs with next. Many have predicted that Shohei will be the first player to earn a $500 million contract. He desires to win and the reputation to bring damage, whether at the plate or on the mound. Here are three teams Ohtani could play in 2024.
Shohei Ohtani Landing Spots
San Francisco Giants
The Giants have swung and missed on several big-name free agents in the past couple of offseasons. Carlos Correa, Aaron Judge, and others have been close to signing with San Francisco but ultimately went elsewhere. San Francisco fired their manager, Gabe Kapler, last month and replaced him with Bob Melvin. Logan Webb is the only Giants starting pitcher under contract till 2025. Also, the Giants were ranked 24th in offense last season. Adding Ohtani to the team would solve both of these problems. The Giants have not had a 30-home-run hitter since Barry Bonds in 2004. San Francisco was only four games under .500 this past season; signing Shohei Ohtani would completely change the outlook of this entire team. This team desperately needs a star, and it shouldn’t be a surprise that the Giants will stop at nothing to obtain the ex-Angel.
New York Mets
At the trade deadline, the Mets sold big, trading away Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer. While Mets owner Steve Cohen may have the wealth to attract Ohtani, the team’s 75-87 record may be a factor that scares the two-way MVP off. New York has a huge desire to win, especially with president of baseball operations David Stearns and manager Carlos Mendoza taking charge. Pete Alonso, Francisco Lindor, Brandon Nimmo, and Ohtani Mendoza could put together one of the best lineups in baseball next season. Shohei and Kodai Senga could be deadly 1-2 punch on the mound within the next couple of seasons. With the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies being two of the National League’s heavy hitters, it will be hard to convince Ohtani that the Mets can consistently win the NL East division year in and year out.
Los Angeles Dodgers
The reality is simple. Shohei Ohtani wants to play on a championship-caliber team and get paid a boatload of money. The Dodgers also want to contend and have the money to spend. You can always remember if Ohtani signs with the Dodgers, he’ll be staying in Southern California. Los Angeles always finds a way to win during the regular season. They’ve clinched the NL West ten times in the past eleven seasons. However, in the postseason, the Dodgers always fall short. If they sign Ohtani, the possibilities are endless. He could be teammates with Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and perhaps Clayton Kershaw. It wouldn’t be a shock if Shohei decided to be a Dodger.
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