Padres fans hold high hopes of signing Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani and creating a super team

Shohei Ohtani's impending free agency at the end of the 2024 season has put multiple MLB teams on high alert. Potential suitors for the Japanese superstar keep multiplying as the days go by.

Teams realistically in line for Ohtani are going to have to spend big. This makes the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, San Diego Padres, and New York Yankees prime candidates.

But don't forget the Los Angeles Angels, that will do everything in their power to re-sign their star man.

"Where do you want to see Shohei Ohtani land in free agency? #MLBTonight discusses which teams could be in the running to sign the Angels star. @TheMayorsOffice | @RoFlo" - MLB Network, Twitter

Bob Nightengale of USA Today sent Twitter into a frenzy by suggesting that the Padres could be the first in line for Ohtani's signature, while also trying to tie down star man Juan Soto to a new contract.

"The San Diego #Padres are just getting started. In nine months: They will be in strong pursuit of free agent Shohei Ohtani. In the next two years, they will try to sign Juan Soto to a contract before he hits free agency." - Bob Nightengale, Twitter

Nightengale has also mentioned in the past that Ohtani prefers to remain on the West Coast due to his private lifestyle.

The San Diego Padres as a possible destination for the Japanese superstar has raised numerous doubts amongst Twitter users. Ohtani in the same lineup as Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., Juan Soto, and Xander Bogaerts is a scary proposition that had people talking.

Not big on optimism, some don't see the Padres signing both Ohtani and extending Soto in the same window.

If it is a $500 million cheque that Ohtani is looking for, then the New York Mets look like serious contenders, especially with Steve Cohen at the helm.

Many questioned where the Padres will get the funds to make big moves like these.

Shohei Ohtani's impressive 2022 campaign speaks volumes about his growth

Shohei Ohtani dominated both sides of the ball last season for the Los Angeles Angels. He produced a 2.33 ERA through 166.0 innings, posting a 15-9 record with 219 strikeouts as a pitcher, and hit 34 home runs and 95 RBIs while recording 11 stolen bases as a batter. He maintained a .273 batting average throughout his 157 games.

His 219 whiffs ranked him as high as sixth in the entire MLB last season, ahead of both Cy Young winners Justin Verlander and Sandy Alcantara. Ohtani also marginally lost the American League MVP award to Aaron Judge.