Crimson Sox
“I’d like to have him.”
The Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes gained’t formally start till the 2023 World Sequence concludes.
However even earlier than the free-agent feeding frenzy begins this winter, there have been loads of stories linking the Crimson Sox to the Angels famous person.
The 29-year-old DH/pitcher won’t be able to take to the mound in 2024 whereas recovering from elbow surgical procedure. However with the perennial MVP candidate nonetheless anticipated to slug on the plate subsequent season (and return to pitching in 2025 and past), Ohtani might nonetheless rewrite the document books this offseason by way of a hefty new contract.
Rely Crimson Sox legend Pedro Martinez amongst those that suppose that Boston would be the one at hand Ohtani that profitable contract this offseason.
“I believe he’s going to be taking part in in Boston,” Martinez advised Sports activities Illustrated. “I’d like to have him. However I believe LA can be fitted to him. I believe San Diego may very well be one other group the place him and his buddy, Yu Darvish, might in all probability meet collectively. I do know (Kodai) Senga is on the Mets and so they may carry the cash to pay him. So it’s gonna be a couple of groups that may additionally afford him. These are the few locations that I can consider Ohtani perhaps touchdown. However I’ve to say Boston No. 1.”
Given Martinez’s apparent connections and affinity towards the Crimson Sox, it comes as little shock that the Corridor-of-Fame righty thinks that his former group would be the one to reel in Ohtani throughout the offseason.
However a number of MLB reporters have hinted on the shared curiosity between the Crimson Sox and Ohtani and the potential for a deal being struck.
Given Boston’s need to bolster its roster (and generate loads of headlines) after posting its third last-place end in 4 seasons, a marquee free agent like Ohtani has loads of enchantment.
“Shohei Ohtani and the Crimson Sox are beginning to be linked an increasing number of,” Jon Heyman wrote within the New York Submit earlier this month. “One government with an group stated he believes they’re an actual risk. Ohtani has a brand new large take care of New Stability out of Boston. Maybe extra necessary: The Crimson Sox must stability issues out after three last-place finishes in 4 years.
“If the Crimson Sox do land Ohtani, perhaps their trustworthy overlook Mookie Betts. For a short while, anyway.”
Final month, Peter Gammons famous on X, the platform previously often called Twitter, that an “N.L. Government lengthy accustomed to Shonei Ohtani believes he’s desirous about Boston, partly due to his relationship with New Stability CEO Jim Davis.”
The case may very well be made that the Crimson Sox are higher served using their spending energy on a number of confirmed starters like Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Aaron Nola, Lucas Giolito, and Jordan Montgomery.
But when a generational expertise like Ohtani or Juan Soto is up for grabs this offseason, the prospect of bringing that star energy to Boston is perhaps too tempting to cross up.
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