SHOHEI OHTANI, the Japanese baseball superstar, met with the Chicago Cubs in December 2017, sparking intense speculation in the baseball world. However, the reason behind their meeting remains shrouded in secrecy. Ohtani, known for his reticence with the media, is closely shielded by his representatives at Creative Artists Agency.
Yet, the Cubs are once again positioning themselves to be a part of Ohtani’s decision-making process, confirmed by a league source. This development has reignited widespread conjecture about the possibility of Ohtani gracing the iconic Wrigley Field and the immense global marketing potential for the franchise.
While the recent managerial changes at the Cubs have commanded attention during the general manager meetings, the focus has now shifted back to the players as inquiries are made into Ohtani’s narrowed list of seven finalists. The list emerged from a questionnaire sent to 30 MLB teams, seeking detailed explanations on how each organization would manage his assimilation from Japan and optimize his capabilities as both a hitter and a pitcher.
The landscape has evolved as Ohtani will be recuperating from elbow surgery, rendering him unavailable to pitch next season. This change, along with the introduction of the full-time designated hitter in the National League, has further fueled the speculation surrounding Ohtani’s next move. The Cubs, known for their successful pitch to Ohtani during their previous encounter, are poised once again to make a compelling case for his consideration.
Reflecting on their earlier meeting with Ohtani, Cubs executive Jed Hoyer acknowledged the strength of their past dialogue and the intrigue that the Cubs held for Ohtani at that time. The Cubs have since improved their presentation, leveraging their insights from past negotiations with Japanese pitcher Masahiro Tanaka and enhancing it with a comprehensive display of their pitching infrastructure and offensive capabilities. They remain eager to showcase the benefits of their facilities.
The prospect of Ohtani joining the Cubs under revised rules – unrestricted by international signing limits and with minimal health concerns – heralds an era of unparalleled potential. His exceptional talent as an athlete transcends the realms of possibility, solidifying his status as an iconic figure in professional sports.
While the Cubs face stiff competition from both American and National League teams, they remain undeterred, driven by the desire for another opportunity to secure Ohtani’s talents. The unfolding narrative presents an enticing proposition for the Cubs, one that defies conventional expectations and offers unlimited potential.
(Top photo of Shohei Ohtani: Gary A. Vasquez / USA Today)
