Chicago Cubs’ Position in the Shohei Ohtani Sweepstakes Revealed: Who’s In and Who’s Out

Who’s in? Who’s out? Here’s where the Cubs stand in the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes: report originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago

Prepare for an eventful week in Major League Baseball.

The Winter Meetings, taking place Dec. 3-6 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, Tennessee, will be the epicenter where the focus will be on Shohei Ohtani. The big question is where will he sign and how much will his contract be worth?

For fans on the North Side, the burning inquiry is where do the Cubs stand in this race? According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Cubs are holding their ground in the pursuit of Ohtani, a stark contrast to others who have withdrawn their offers. The San Francisco Giants remain a wild card with an undetermined position in the sweepstakes.

The Cubs have been in the running for Ohtani from the start, but the big question now is how much they are willing to offer the Japanese sensation. According to Passan, sources indicate that the amount Ohtani will command is likely to surpass a whopping $500 million, with some even projecting bids climbing to $600 million.

Although Ohtani is set to sit out the 2024 MLB season due to a right elbow injury, his potential record-breaking contract is undeterred and expected to exceed Mike Trout’s $425 million deal, making him a highly coveted prospect.

The decision from Ohtani is anticipated soon, with speculation swirling about a potential announcement during next week’s Winter Meetings. MLB insider Jon Heyman emphasized the excitement surrounding the possibility of Ohtani signing during the event.

Ohtani’s rare combination of elite hitting and pitching makes him a historic attraction in baseball, having recently secured his second AL MVP award. The drama of where the Cubs will stand in the sweepstakes further adds to the buzz surrounding the team’s busy offseason.

Click here to follow the Cubs Talk Podcast.

Reference

David Rodriguez

David Rodriguez brings the excitement of Major League Baseball to readers. With a deep appreciation for America’s pastime, he covers the latest MLB news, scores, and player achievements, keeping fans up to date with their favorite teams and players.