Toronto Blue Jays fans were very excited at the news that Shohei Ohtani (30, LA Dodgers) was about to be recruited in mid-April. There were even reports that Ohtani boarded a plane bound for Toronto to sign a contract. However, it was a Canadian businessman who boarded the plane, and Ohtani signed with the Dodgers the next day. Toronto fans felt disappointed and disappointed twice as much.헤라카지노주소
Not only Toronto fans but also the front desk were in considerable shock. Nearly a month has passed, but he still cannot forget the regret of missing Ohtani. Toronto general manager Ross Atkins said in a video interview with “The Athletic” and other local media on the 4th (Korea time) that he was disappointed.
Ohtani visited Toronto’s spring training site in Dunedin, Florida, and had a meeting on June 5. Toronto also offered a proposal that was close to Dodgers, but Ohtani could not change his mind as he preferred a team that could win the championship in the western region. Ohtani signed a 10-year, 700 million-dollar contract with Dodgers on June 10, the highest amount in professional sports in the world.
Ohtani, the home run king, was the best card for Toronto, which had a hard time due to weakening of its batters last year. He was the perfect fit to balance the right and left sides of the batter’s box, which is dominated by right-handed hitters. The effect that Ohtani would have on the Toronto team as a whole, as well as the effect of pitching and hitting both as a pitcher next year, would have been tremendous. However, Toronto ended up with such a dream
“We are obviously disappointed with the result. It was one of the hardest calls to receive in my career. It was very difficult,” Atkins said. “At the same time, I was surprised by the hard work and collaboration of our team members. I have no doubt that Ohtani must have been very attracted to our club, city and country. I am satisfied,” he said, praising the team members’ efforts to recruit Ohtani.
Asked if Ohtani used Toronto to gain an upper hand in the contract with Dodgers, Atkins flatly said, “No way,” and said, “We really liked Ohtani during the negotiations. Everyone from the owner of the team worked together to make efforts. It wasn’t the result that I wanted, but I felt sincerity toward Ohtani during the negotiations.”
After missing Ohtani, Toronto re-signed FA center fielder Kevin Kiermaier for one year and 10.5 million dollars, and hired utility player Isaiah Kainer-Palepa for two years and 15 million dollars. With no strong reinforcement, Atkins said, “We will not be complacent here. We are focused on improving the offensive process. As the opponent has adapted to us, we have to adapt to him,” adding, “We can recruit about one more player before the spring training starts.”
Atkins said there is a possibility that he could be an outfielder or a designated hitter. Cody Bellinger, center fielder, and Reece Hoskins, first baseman among FA fielders, remain in the market, but Toronto does not seem to be very interested. Toronto was expected to be one of Bellinger’s destinations, but it became less likely after signing contracts with Kiermaier and Kiner-Falefa.
Regarding the pitching staff, who is evaluated as Toronto’s strength, Atkins had no specific comment. He left open the possibility to reinforce his power, but focused on the fielders. He does not seem to have much interest in getting Ryu reunited with him. Atkins left room for renewal of his contract when he told reporters after the end of last season that Ryu could be an alternative, but there has been no word or news since then.
Toronto has solid starting pitchers Kevin Gausman, Jose Berrios, Chris Bashit, and Yusei Kikuchi. If Alec Manoa, who was ranked third in the American League Cy Young Award in 2022, recovers, five starting pitchers will be filled. It is worth paying attention to Ryu to reinforce the Debs, but he does not seem to intend to pay more than 10 million U.S. dollars annually. Local media, centering on local media, see the New York Mets, San Diego Padres, and Boston Red Sox as suitable teams to sign Ryu with short-term contracts. Toronto has no such expectations.