(670 The Score) It appears the Cubs remain in solid position in the sweepstakes to sign two-way star Shohei Ohtani.
The Cubs are one of at least four teams confirmed to still be bidding for Ohtani, Jeff Passan of ESPN reported Friday morning. The Dodgers, Angels and Blue Jays also continue to be active in the bidding. The Giants have long had serious interest in Ohtani as well, though details on their current involvement are unknown, according to the report.
In a development that helps the Cubs’ chance to land Ohtani, the Mets, Rangers and Red Sox have turned their attention to players other than Ohtani, Passan reported. That’s notable because the Mets have the deepest pockets in MLB under the direction of owner Steve Cohen, and the Rangers are coming off a World Series title.
Ohtani, 29, has hit free agency after a season in which he won the American League MVP award for the second time in three years. He hit .304 with 44 homers, 95 RBIs and an MLB-best 1.066 OPS in 135 games in 2023, when he also posted a 3.14 ERA and 1.06 WHIP while striking out 167 batters in 132 innings across 23 starts.
Ohtani won’t pitch in 2024 after having elbow surgery in September, but he has been cleared to be a full-time hitter next season and is expected to return to the mound in 2025.