Rangers' Shohei Ohtani Pursuit Takes Massive Turn
Shohei Ohtani is the most coveted free agent in MLB history, so it's no surprise that Texas Rangers fans would love to see him on next season's 40-man roster. After all, adding the 29-year-old to the 2023 World Series Champions' roster would practically guarantee another deep playoff run next fall.
However, while the Rangers were reportedly in the mix for Ohtani's services, that doesn't seem to be the case anymore.
New at ESPN+: My winter meetings preview chock full of news.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 1, 2023
- The astronomical deal Ohtani is expected to get and teams involved
- Yamamoto's price soars
- Details on trade possibilities (Soto, Cease, Glasnow, Burnes, Bieber, Clase)
- Much, much more https://t.co/nHjUSBAbEi
Texas Rangers Rumors: Shohei Ohtani
MLB insider Jeff Passan reports that the Rangers — along with the Boston Red Sox and New York Mets — are no longer in the mix to land Ohtani. Instead, sources close to Passan indicate that the trio of clubs "have turned their attention to other players."
Ohtani could reportedly land a new contract anywhere in the neighborhood from $400 million to $500 million. The Los Angeles Angels, LA Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, and Toronto Blue Jays — all franchises that aren't afraid to hand out stacks of money — are allegedly the only teams remaining in the mix.
While likely losing out on Ohtani stings, it isn't surprising that the Rangers aren't willing to spend half a billion dollars on a player — regardless of how good he is. After all, general manager Chris Young made it clear earlier this week that Texas is trying to be "financially prudent" this winter.
"We (the Rangers) expect to be active in free agency, but probably not spending at the level that we have spent in previous offseasons."
- GM Chris Young
The majority of the Rangers' core is returning for the 2024 campaign, but that doesn't mean there aren't still pressing needs. They still must re-sign free-agent starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery while a new closer is also a necessity with Josh Hader being rumored to be a top target.
Time will tell how the Rangers' eventual offseason moves impact their odds of being the first back-to-back World Series Champions in nearly 25 years. As of Dec. 1, Texas is tied with the Houston Astros for the third-best 2024 title odds.
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