The Los Angeles Dodgers have signed free agent two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (elbow) to a 10-year, $700 million contract on Saturday. Ohtani's deal is the largest in MLB history and includes no opt-outs. The 29-year-old underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow in September and will not pitch during the 2024 season. Ohtani will be the Dodgers' primary designated hitter after slashing .304/.412/.654 with 44 home runs, 95 RBI, 102 runs scored, and 20 stolen bases over 594 plate appearances for the Angels in 2023. Ohtani also posted a (10-5) record with a 3.14 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, and a 167:55 K: BB across 132 innings. He will hit in the heart of the order for a loaded Dodgers lineup that includes Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman. Ohtani becomes arguably the Dodgers' best offensive weapon and is a surefire first-round pick in upcoming 2024 fantasy baseball drafts.

Contrary to an earlier report on Friday, free-agent two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani was not on a plane that landed in Toronto that many assumed he was on. It's been a whirlwind day for Ohtani news, and this is yet another conflicting report with what had been released earlier in the day. As of right now, nothing is official in the Ohtani sweepstakes and he remains unsigned, despite reports that he was expected to make a decision on his next team by Friday. The Los Angeles Dodgers have been the favorites to land the two-time MVP all offseason, but the Blue Jays could be going strong for the generational talent after losing out on Juan Soto this week. Stay tuned.

Free-agent designated hitter/pitcher Shohei Ohtani is reportedly set to sign with the Toronto Blue Jays. The most coveted free agent in baseball history is likely headed north of the border with a $500 million contract, or more, certainly in play. The two-way phenom underwent another procedure on his UCL in September, which will prevent him from pitching at all in the 2024 season. He also underwent Tommy John surgery in 2018, which kept him off the mound the following season. The right-hander worked to a stellar 3.14 ERA across 23 starts before going down to injury and also slugged 44 home runs alongside a .304 average and 20 stolen bases across 599 trips to the plate, cruising to his second AL MVP award in the process in the 2023 campaign.

Free-agent two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani's decision on his next team is imminent, and it's possible he signs as early as Friday, according to a source. There have been a handful of teams that have been connected to Ohtani this offseason, and the Japanese superstar reportedly met with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays. The Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Angels and Atlanta Braves were mentioned as suitors as well, but the Dodgers are the overwhelming favorites due to their location and perennial winning tradition. Wherever the 29-year-old two-time MVP goes, he's expected to land a record-breaking contract worth over $600 million, even though he won't be able to pitch at all in 2024 following right-elbow surgery.

The Los Angeles Dodgers met with two-way superstar free agent Shohei Ohtani at Dodger Stadium "a couple days ago," according to manager Dave Roberts. The skipper said the meeting went well. Because of Ohtani's preferences to play for a perennial contender and to stay on the west coast, the Dodgers have been considered the favorites to land the Japanese star since he became a free agent. Reports suggest that the 29-year-old left-handed slugger and right-handed pitcher is expected to make his decision on a team this week, with the Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays, Los Angeles Angels and San Francisco Giants being the most likely landing spots. The generational talent is expected to receive a record-breaking contract over $500 million despite the fact he won't be able to pitch at all in 2024 after having right-elbow surgery.

The Chicago Cubs' optimism of being able to sign two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani in free agency has significantly waned this week, according to a high-ranking executive. It leaves the Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays, Los Angeles Angels and San Francisco Giants as the likely finalists for the Japanese star's services this winter. Playing for a perennial contender is Ohtani's biggest requirement, and he's also believed to be partial to staying on the west coast, which makes the Dodgers the clear favorites. The 29-year-old reportedly met with the Blue Jays on Monday, and the Angels and Atlanta Braves could be sleepers in the sweepstakes. Ohtani is expected to make his decision soon, possibly as early as this week during the winter meetings.

The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reported Monday that it is believed that free-agent superstar Shohei Ohtani met with Toronto Blue Jays club officials at the team's spring training complex in Dunedin, Florida. While an official timetable for Ohtani's signing decision is unknown, previous reporting suggested that he was expected to make a decision within the week. While the Los Angeles Dodgers were originally considered the front-runner to sign Ohtani, it seems as though the Blue Jays have emerged as a serious contender. While Ohtani will remain a top fantasy option regardless of where he plays, both teams offer a strong surrounding lineup.

MLB Network's Jon Morosi doesn't think the Atlanta Braves are getting enough attention in the sweepstakes for two-way superstar free-agent Shohei Ohtani. The Braves have had some talks with Ohtani's camp, according to sources, and he has not ruled them out as he seeks his next team on the open market. Because of the Braves' winning tradition, they have appeal to the Japanese star and are in the running along with clubs like the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs and Toronto Blue Jays. Having this year's MVPs Ohtani and Ronald Acuna Jr. on the same team for years to come would be an amazing victory for Atlanta, but it's probably more of a long shot, especially after Atlanta just traded for outfielder Jarred Kelenic on Sunday night.

The Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes could be reportedly coming to an end soon. Recent reports are saying that the two-way superstar is expected to make his decision on a team within the next week. As of right now, the Dodgers, Cubs, Blue Jays, and Angels are the teams in the mix for Ohtani. However, it sounds like the San Francisco Giants could be a possible team as well, but the Mets and Rangers pulled out of the running. The 29-year-old is expected to get a deal over $500 million, so his signing will likely have significant ramifications on the rest of the free agent market.

The number of suitors for free-agent two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani has winnowed, according to sources. The Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox and New York Mets have turned their attention to other players. Among those confirmed by sources to still be in the bidding include the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Angels. The San Francisco Giants are also fond of Ohtani, but it's unknown where they stand in the sweepstakes. The fact that Ohtani had reconstructive elbow surgery that will keep him from pitching in 2024 has done nothing to put a damper on his free-agent value this winter. The two-time American League MVP could receive a record-breaking contract for at least $550 million this offseason.

For the third straight season, two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani was named the Edgar Martinez Outstanding Designated Hitter award. In addition to the DH award, Ohtani was the American League Most Valuable Player in 2023 for the second time in the last three years. The three-time All-Star was more impressive this past season at the plate than on the mound, slashing .304/.412/.654 with a 1.066 OPS, 44 home runs, 26 doubles, eight triples, 95 RBI, 20 stolen bases and 102 runs scored in 135 games for the Los Angeles Angels. The Japanese star led the league in homers, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, OPS and total bases. Even though the 29-year-old won't pitch at all in 2024 after having surgery on his right elbow, he is the most attractive player on the free-agent market and is expected to receive a deal worth around $500 million.

The "prevailing opinion" is that free-agent two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani will sign with a team before the winter meetings end on Dec. 6, according to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman. "I'm thinking he may sign at the Winter Meetings, which would be very, very exciting," Heyman said. "That seems to be the prevailing opinion at this point. No guarantee. [Executives] think that Ohtani will be the big signing at the Winter Meetings." The Dodgers, Giants and Cubs are among the teams reportedly in the mix for the Japanese superstar, but the Blue Jays and Red Sox are also candidates to sign him. The 29-year-old is expected to command a deal around $500 million on the open market, even though he won't be able to pitch at all in 2024 after having surgery on his right elbow this year.

MLB Network's Jon Morosi reported Tuesday that acquiring one of free-agent two-way star Shohei Ohtani and top free-agent starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto is a priority "above all other options this offseason" for the San Francisco Giants. The Giants had a disappointing 2023 season, finishing in fourth place in the National League West with a 79-83 record. Either player would be a significant boost for the team, who have been linked to a number of high-profile players over the last few seasons but have been unsuccessful in bringing them in. From a fantasy perspective, Oracle Park is a pitcher-friendly venue. However, both players should be fantasy priorities wherever they sign.

As expected, there are no shortage of suitors for free-agent two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani this winter. At least the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants and Chicago Cubs are believed to be going big for Ohtani, while the San Diego Padres, Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees are waiting and praying they'll have a chance to lock him up. Sources say that Ohtani loves southern California, which is why the Dodgers are considered the favorites. Most teams are presumed to only be able to afford one of Ohtani and Japanese star right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Ohtani should cost around $500 million and Yamamoto around $200 million. Ohtani will not be able to pitch at all in 2024 after having surgery on his right elbow, but he'll offer plenty of value with his bat from the left side of the plate after leading the league with 44 home runs, a .412 on-base percentage, .654 slugging percentage, a 1.066 OPS and 325 total bases in 2023.

MLB Network's Jon Heyman reported Tuesday that the Los Angeles Dodgers are considering the possibility of signing both two-way star Shohei Ohtani and top Japanese starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto this offseason. Both players are considered the top free agents this offseason and could command combined contracts of more than $700 million in guaranteed money, making it a huge monetary commitment to bring both on. The Dodgers have also already been linked to a number of high-profile free agents and potential trade candidates, so it makes sense that they would be linked to both of these players. Ohtani and Yamamoto played together in the 2023 World Baseball Classic for Team Japan, earning gold.

Los Angeles Angels two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani was named the 2023 American League Most Valuable Player, as expected. It is the second time in the last three years that he's been named the AL MVP. He was also a unanimous winner of the award this year, becoming the first player ever to be chosen unanimously twice. Ohtani became the 29th player in history to win multiple MVPs since 1931. As a designated hitter, Ohtani led the AL in home runs with 44 and also led the league in on-base percentage (.412) and total bases (325) and also led all of baseball in slugging percentage (.654), OPS (1.066) and OPS+ (184). On the mound, the 29-year-old righty had a 3.14 ERA, 142 ERA+ and 167 strikeouts in 132 innings over 23 starts. His bWAR of 10.0 was the best of his career.

The Chicago Cubs pursued two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani back in 2017 before he signed with the Los Angeles Angels, and now that he's on the open market again, the Cubs are eyeing him once again, according to sources familiar with the situation. The Cubs just hired widely respected manager Craig Counsell and have payroll coming off the books in the form of Jason Heyward ($21 million) and Cody Bellinger ($17.5 million), leaving money for a massive deal. "Ohtani would own Wrigley Field, literally," one National League scout joked about his potential salary. "He'd own Chicago, for sure." The Cubs were under the luxury tax threshold in 2023, ranking 11th in payroll.

At least one rival executive views the Toronto Blue Jays as a sleeper for free-agent two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani this offseason. Any plans the Blue Jays had to sign Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette to massive extensions might be on hold now. George Springer's six-year, $150 million contract expires after 2026, and the team remains in need of left-handed power. However, if Ohtani's priority is winning, he might prefer a team outside the highly competitive American League East. For now, it's all speculation. Ohtani is believed to prefer the West Coast, which has made the Los Angeles Dodgers the betting favorite to land his services this offseason.

Free-agent two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (elbow) is the San Francisco Giants' No. 1 target this offseason. One agent who spoke with the San Francisco Chronicle's John Shea during the general manager meetings last week called the Giants a "natural fit" for Ohtani, especially because of their location on the West Coast. Ohtani isn't the only big-name free agent from Asia that the Giants are planning to pursue this winter, though. San Francisco has "serious interest" in Korean outfielder Jung Hoo Lee as they seek an answer in center field. If the Giants are going to land the biggest prize on the open market, they are going to have to outbid the rival Los Angeles Dodgers, who are viewed as the favorites for Ohtani.

ESPN's Alden Gonzalez reported Monday that free-agent two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (elbow) "might be open to a short-term deal with an exceedingly high average annual value." While initial talks heading into the offseason revolved around Ohtani potentially signing the biggest contract in baseball history, a short-term deal could increase his number of potential suitors. This option may be more appealing than it once was, as Ohtani won't pitch in 2024 after undergoing elbow surgery late this season. A short-term deal could allow him to seek an enormous long-term deal in 2025 should he return to both hitting and pitching. The record for annual value is $43.3 million, which Ohtani would likely break. However, that contract could be offered by more than the current front-runners of the Dodgers, Giants, and Rangers if a one-year deal is in the realm of possibility.