Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani Was 'As Surprised as Any Fan' by Blue Jays Free Agency Rumors
April 24, 2024
Even though Shohei Ohtani has settled in nicely with the Los Angeles Dodgers, he was unintentionally involved in one of the great instances of free-agent speculation in MLB history during the offseason involving the Toronto Blue Jays.
Addressing the situation with The Athletic's Andy McCullough, Ohtani said via Dodgers interpreter Will Ireton he "was as surprised as any fan" by the news that was going around regarding the Blue Jays.
"But I did meet with the Blue Jays organization," Ohtani added. "The impression that I got was that it was a really, really great organization. The fans are really good, too. Love the city, too. So I'm really looking forward to going to Toronto."
The ordeal took place on Dec. 8 starting with an account on X identifying a private plane leaving John Wayne Airport in Anaheim for Toronto, leading some people to surmise Ohtani was traveling to Canada.
Jim Bowden⚾️🏈 @JimBowdenGMWho knows if this is anything related to Shohei Ohtani but credit "X" users who have identified a private Jet scheduled this morning to fly from Anaheim to Toronto & even if it is...is it a visit to Toronto since he went to Dunedin last Monday? Or is he going to sign? Who knows <a href="https://t.co/sMgsUk4Yjs">pic.twitter.com/sMgsUk4Yjs</a>
Canadian opera singer Clarence Frazer cited a source who said Blue Jays pitcher Yusei Kikuchi made a reservation for more than 50 people at an "upscale sushi restaurant near Rogers Centre" for that night.
J.P. Hoornstra of Dodgers Nation, an accredited BBWAA member, reported Ohtani was going to sign with the Blue Jays and a formal announcement was "expected as early as tonight."
MLB Network's Jon Morosi reported Ohtani was on a plane to Toronto, but that was quickly refuted by multiple reporters. Morosi later issued a retraction and apology for the error.
Several Blue Jays players told The Athletic's Jayson Stark they did see the rumors as they were happening, with Jordan Romano admitting he "might have clicked" on one of the links that was tracking the flight Ohtani was rumored to be on.
Ohtani got to announce his decision on Dec. 9 on Instagram, writing he was going to sign with the Dodgers. He received a 10-year, $700 million contract with $680 million of the deal being deferred when he will receive annual payouts of $68 million per year from 2034 to '43.
Things are working out for Ohtani on the field in Los Angeles. He leads MLB in batting average (.364), slugging percentage (.677) and ranks third in on-base percentage (.430) in 25 games this season.
The Blue Jays are doing okay with a 13-11 record through 24 games. They trail the New York Yankees in the American League East by three games.