Rumors are swirling that the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are preparing to spend big bucks and even an island in Manhattan to acquire two-hit wonder Shohei Ohtani (29-LA Angels). The interest in Ohtani and the competition for his signature is intense.
Tokyo Sports in Japan recently reported, “The idea of an ‘island’ as a condition for signing Ohtani, who is eligible for free agency after this season, is a hot topic among American experts.”
Numerous teams, including big-market clubs such as the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers, are in hot pursuit of the “preliminary free agent” Ohtani. According to multiple local media outlets, Ohtani’s asking price is expected to soar to a record $600 million (approximately KRW 79.6 billion).
On the 27th (KST), MLB Network analyzed the reality of a $600 million contract for Ohtani.
The experts on the show were unanimous in their assessment that Ohtani is worth $600 million. “It’s very possible,” said Chris Young, who retired from Major League Baseball after the 2018 season and turned analyst, “He’s worth $600 million because he can change team strength, market power, and TV rights.”
MLB Network host and sportswriter Robert Flores made a surprising suggestion: “If Ohtani does go to the Mets, Mets owner Stephen Cohen should give him an island,” he said. “An island in Manhattan, of course,” he added. The on-air panel, including Young, nodded in agreement, saying, “That would be great.” Even without an actual island, it was an indication of how highly valued Ohtani is in baseball’s home country. 스포츠토토
According to Tokyo Sports, “Mets owner Cohen has the deepest pockets of any major league team. It may not be impossible for him to buy the island of Manhattan, or something comparable, and present it to Ohtani in order to sign the superstar.”
Meanwhile, Ohtani is in his sixth year in the major leagues and has a 5-1 record with an ERA of 1.00 in 11 starts.