Shohei Ohtani landing spots: Three best fits for Japanese superstar after World Baseball Classic victory

Shohei Ohtani sits on top of the baseball world. The two-way superstar has changed the game thanks to his combination of elite hitting and dominant pitching. Fans have never seen a player do what Ohtani is doing, defying the limits that many believed one man could accomplish on a baseball diamond.

Not only will he be one of the top players this upcoming season, but his pending free agency may be the most lucrative in MLB history. While various numbers have been floated around, it's widely believed that Ohtani's next contract may be the largest in baseball history.

"@Buster_ESPN says Shohei Ohtani's potential new contract could be $600M+ "There's nobody else in baseball that can do what he can do. ... He's going to have ENORMOUS bidding for the best player in the world," ESPN's Get Up tweeted.

Teams across the league will be lining up to secure Ohtani's signature. However, some places will be better for the Japanese superstar than others. Here is a look at the top three destinations for baseball's true unicorn.

Shohei Ohtani may stay in Los Angeles, but this time with the Dodgers

This may be the worst possible news for fans of the Los Angeles Angels, but the crosstown Dodgers have already made Ohtani their No. 1 target in the upcoming free agency.

Unfortunately for Angels fans, the Los Angeles Dodgers can not only offer one of the biggest contracts in sports history, but also have a proven track record of success. If Shohei Ohtani is committed to staying in Los Angeles, signing with the Dodgers would instantly give him a shot at the World Series every single season.

The New York Yankees

If Ohtani were to take his talents to the Bronx, he could not only become the biggest superstar in baseball but one of the biggest athletes in the world. The global exposure from the New York Yankees brand would make Ohtani a household name for people who don't follow baseball.

"I would give just about anything to see Ohtani wearing Yankee pinstripes," Ty Schmit of "The Pat McAfee Show" tweeted.

As the most successful franchise in MLB history, Ohtani would have a shot at playing in the postseason every year, as well as joining forces with reigning American League MVP Aaron Judge.

The San Diego Padres

Another team that has already made its intention of pursuing Ohtani known is the San Diego Padres. One of the most aggressive franchises in the past few years, the Padres have amassed some of baseball's most talented players.

"A lot of $$$ is coming off the books for the #Padres after the 2023 season. Preller has wanted Shohei Ohtani more than anyone in his GM tenure. Ownership is All-In. The baseball world will be stunned," Padres follower Borna Nazari tweeted.

If Shohei Ohtani were to sign with the Padres, he would be a key member of the most potent lineup in the MLB, which currently features Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., Juan Soto and Xander Bogaerts.