The biggest player in the FA market this winter is Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels.
If Ohtani is recruited, he will be able to secure both a first starter and a home run hitter, so it is obvious that clubs that say, ‘I have some money’ will rush at me like bees. Then, what attitude will the New York Yankees, the richest club in the major leagues, take?
So far, the Los Angeles Dodgers, which shares the same ointment as the Angels, are being discussed as the most likely destination for free agent Ohtani. The championship history, the Western Division, warm weather, and abundant funds are considered the Dodgers’ charms that Ohtani prefers. However, it is not known how the game will change if the Yankees jump into the recruiting battle.
First of all, it is unlikely that Ohtani will change teams at the trade deadline this summer. This is because the Angels are still competing for the playoffs as of the 27th (Korean time). The Angels are 43-37, 3rd in the AL West and 5th in the Wild Card. After 9 years since 2014, hopes for fall baseball are swollen.
“I don’t think we need to explain where we are right now,” said Angels general manager Perry Minassian about the recent Ohtani trade. In other words, they are not going to trade Ohtani because they are fighting to advance to the playoffs.
In the end, Ohtani’s future in the FA market at the end of this year is bound to be decided. Of course, the Yankees are also a team that can be included in the ‘Otani competition structure’.
The American media, The Athletic, shed light on the possibility that Ohtani could become a Yankees player that day. In conclusion, I am skeptical.
The Athletic first said, ‘The realistic way for the Yankees to recruit Ohtani is to catch him in the free agent market after this season. He also mentioned the positive side, saying, “If Ohtani is recruited, the Yankees can secure a reliable starting pitcher and a left-handed hitter at the same time.”
Moreover, Ohtani’s ransom is not at all burdensome for the Yankees. The media said, ‘It takes a lot of money to bring Ohtani, and at least $500 million is being discussed’, but ‘Yankees can easily earn that money through global marketing that Ohtani will bring. YES network viewer ratings will skyrocket, and Ohtani products will sell like hot cakes. Tickets are also expected to be equal regardless of whoever is on the opposing team.
In other words, you can enjoy the Ohtani effect economically, and accordingly, you can raise enough Ohtani annual salary to exceed 50 million dollars on average.스포츠토토
In the end, the key is Hal Steinbrenner, owner of the Yankees. Steinbrenner has never directly commented on Ohtani. Steinbrenner can spend as much money as he wants. However, he is not the type to buy players without thinking. It is highly likely that he will distance himself from Ohtani’s recruitment.
The Athletic said, “Otani’s payroll will greatly increase the Yankees’ payroll, and that’s not what Steinbrenner wants.” He easily passes $300 million if he signs with Ohtani. Ohtani, Aaron Judge, and Gerrit Cole alone cost more than $100 million a year. In order to reach $300 million, the salaries of other players must be greatly reduced, but there are not many ways.”
It means that Steinbrenner’s thoughts on this part will not be positive.
The media said, ‘Of course, Ohtani is a player worth it no matter how much money it costs’, but ‘At this point, it is unlikely that the Yankees will sign Ohtani this winter. Unless Steinbretter is willing to hand out a blank check.’