Shohei Ohtani: Top 5 landing spots for soon-to-be $600,000,000 free agent after season-ending injury

On Sept. 16, the LA Angels announced that Shohei Ohtani would miss the remainder of the 2023 season on account of an oblique injury. As the 29-year-old two-way star's contract will expire at the end of the year, many believe Ohtani has played his final game for the Halos.

On account of their 68-80 record, the Angels are 13.5 games back of a playoff spot and will miss the postseason for the 10th straight time. Many have pointed towards Ohtani's desire to win a championship as proof that his time at Angel Stadium is over.

Currently the league leader in triples, home runs, walks, on-base percentage, and total bases, Shohei Ohtani also owns a 3.14 ERA alongside a 10-5 record. When he enters free agency, Ohtani is expected to gain offers of up to $600 million. Let's take a look at where he might go.

Top 5 landing spots for pending free agent Shohei Ohtani

#1 Seattle Mariners

Before coming to MLB from Japan in 2017, Ohtani indicated that he preferred a West Coast team. As with all teams, the appetite to sign Ohtani is strong among Seattle Mariners fans, and they let him know as much during the 2023 All-Star Game at T-Mobile Park.

The only issue is that many of the Angels' problems are shared by the Mariners. Despite boasting some incredible hitters like Cal Raleigh, Ty France, and 2022 Rookie of the Year Julio Rodriguez, the team does not seem poised to win. Perhaps Ohtani, who spent a summer in Seattle, could sign based on sentimental grounds, but don't hold your breath.

#2 Boston Red Sox

Outfielder Masataka Yoshida made his MLB debut for the Boston Red Sox this year after inking a five-year, $90 million deal after coming over from Japan. The outfielder is having a great season, hitting .288/.341/.450 with 15 home runs and 68 RBIs.

Yoshida and Ohtani are known to be close friends, and after the Sox fired former CBO Chaim Bloom this week, his successor will undoubtedly be looking to make big waves. However, the Sox are not exactly expected to win a World Series anytime soon.

#3 Baltimore Orioles

At the 2023 trade deadline, when rumors that the Angels might trade Ohtani were swirling, the Baltimore Orioles were identified as a prime candidate to land him. With a record of 91-56, the O's are the AL's best team, and look to be good for a long time, despite winning just 52 games in 2021.

However, some uncertainty regarding ownership casts doubt on Baltimore's internal infrastructural capabilities to land a deal of this magnitude.

#4 New York Mets

After the New York Mets were forced to trade the two highest-paid players in history this August, a dark cloud of embarrassment settled under billionaire owner Steve Cohen's office. The Mets are the richest team in baseball, and most certainly have the funds to ink Shohei Ohtani to any type of deal he wants. However, the Mets' chronic underperformances may remind Ohtani too much of his current home.

#5 Los Angeles Dodgers

Ohtani signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers just makes the most sense. Just a stone's throw from where he currently plays, Shohei Ohtani will be able to retain much of the comforts of home. Despite ranking first in ERA last season, the Dodgers now rank 15th in the category. With legendary ace Clayton Kershaw looking more and more likely to retire, and 2022 NL ERA leader Julio Urias' career in serious doubt, inking Ohtani will ensure that Dodgers' pitching - and hitting - stays up to scratch.

About the author

Adrian Dorney is a baseball journalist at Sportskeeda. Having worked over five years in the industry, Adrian strives to combine statistical analysis with the human side of baseball reporting. Since a lot of his briefs involve publishing content with urgency, he has perfected a process involving a combination of trustworthy sources and assessment with intuition.

His lifelong tryst with baseball began with growing up in Toronto and watching the Blue Jays regularly. His favorite player is Baltimore Orioles legend Cal Ripken Jr., and Jose Bautista's go-ahead home run in 2015 ALDS Game 5 remains his favorite baseball memory to date.

When not working, Adrian is constantly looking to learn new things and he also loves playing golf and chess.

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