“Dodgers and Mariners finish runners-up in Ohtani recruiting battle.”
The Athletic columnist Jim Borden made a bold prediction for the 2023-2024 offseason on July 7 (KST).
He predicted that “super free agent” Shohei Ohtani (29) will not join the Los Angeles Dodgers, but will join the Texas Rangers.
The deal includes incentives, escalator clauses, and bonuses that could make him the highest-paid player in sports history.”
“The Dodgers and Mariners are the runners-up in the battle for Ohtani,” Borden said. That means Texas, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Seattle Mariners are battling for the last spot.
Borden didn’t estimate the total value of Ohtani’s contract, including options, but if Texas beats out the Dodgers, it’s a safe bet that there are huge guarantees and other terms that would make it a steal.
In another article later in the day, The Athletic called it a 12-team battle for Ohtani, with the Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers, and Toronto Blue Jays.
