National League executive certain about Shohei Ohtani's next team, would be 'surprised' if he ends up elsewhere

Even though free agency has only been in place for 72 hours, Shohei Ohtani is the name that general managers are talking about the most during meetings. The teams anticipated to compete for the title of American League Most Valuable Player have been well-documented. The clubs expected to be in the lead to sign Ohtani this offseason include the Dodgers, Giants, Mets, Red Sox, Angels, Mariners, Rangers, and Cubs.

"Regardless of where he signs, Shohei Ohtani's next team will be reshaping its roster around baseball's biggest phenom," The Athletic MLB wrote on X.

The executives overwhelmingly supported the Dodgers. Ten out of the fourteen decision-makers expressed their belief that the former Los Angeles Angels superstar would ultimately travel 30 miles north on the I-5.

A National League official said (via MLB.com):

"Like everybody else, I think he ends up staying in Los Angeles, but with the other team there. When the Dodgers have an infatuation with a guy and they’ve made moves that seem like they do, they always get their guy. I would be surprised if that's not where he ends up.”

Another AL executive remarked:

"He's such a unique talent that nothing would surprise me."

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Estimated cost of Shohei Ohtani's contract

In 2021, Ohtani re-signed an $8.5 million, two-year contract with the Angels. His $30 million contract surpasses Mookie Betts' $27 million, 2020 contract as the most for a player eligible for arbitration.

Every National League management thinks Ohtani will make at least $500 million. The difference that the Japanese star can make off the field in terms of ticket sales, sponsorships, and other revenue-generating opportunities will make several clubs think about giving it a go.

An AL executive said (via MLB.com) that due to competition, the price might go up.

"There's going to be competition which is going to drive the price up. Before the injury, I thought, ‘How do you not pay $700 million for him?’ He’s a two-way guy that is exceptional; if you were signing two guys that do what he did, it would cost you $700 million. He's not going to have a shortage of suitors.”

Shohei Ohtani has played in six seasons in the Major League, and the Angels have not had a winning record in any of those seasons. If winning the World Series is the 29-year-old's main objective, he probably has better alternatives available to him.