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“The Chicago Cubs’ optimism of landing Shohei Ohtani has now significantly waned, one high-ranking executive said, leaving the LA Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays, Los Angeles Angels and San Francisco Giants as the likely finalists” – Bob Nightengale
Per one “high-ranking executive” interviewed by analyst Bob Nightengale, the Chicago Cubs interest in Ohtani has “significantly waned”. The team now appears to be the latest clubs to give up on the 29-year old AL MVP.
The reasons for the Cubs dropping out the race for Ohtani may be multiple. On one hand, foregoing Shohei Ohtani frees up some valuable cash. With it, the Cubs can explore re-signing Cody Bellinger, who hit .307/.356/.525 with 26 home runs and 97 RBIs in a rebound season. Moreover, the team is reported to be very interested in Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Tyler Glasnow.
For the Cubs, pitching needs to be a priority. The team has lost starter Marcus Stroman, who opted out of his contract earlier this offseason. Additionally, pitchers like Liam Hendricks and Drew Smyly appear less able to shoulder a heavy load than they used to be.
“The Cubs’ hopes of landing Shohei Ohtani have “significantly waned,” per @BNightengale. The Dodgers, Blue Jays, Angels, and Giants are now the likely finalists” – Talkin’ Baseball
For the teams considering signing Ohtani, they must consider that the Japanese stud will not be able to pitch in 2024 on account of injury. Due to this, teams will need to balance their priorities even more carefully.
Shohei Ohtani landing spot list is thinning out
With his indication that the Cubs are moving away from Ohtani, Nightengale also mentioned the Dodgers, Giants, and Toronto Blue Jays as the finalists in the race. All three teams have strong finances, but also needs that go beyond Ohtani. As the race draws to an eventual end, it will be interesting to see the lengths that these teams go to in order to appeal to Ohtani.
