Blue Jays make ‘really strong run’ at superstar Shohei Ohtani amid free agency: report

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The Los Angeles Dodgers have looked like the frontrunner in the race for MLB star Shohei Ohtani after manager Dave Roberts confirmed earlier this week that the team had met with him and that the conversation "went well." 

However, the Toronto Blue Jays are apparently right there in the mix. 

From left to right, Anaheim Angels general manager Perry Minasian, Shohei Ohtani and Phil Nevin at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on Sept. 30, 2023 in Anaheim, California. (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

The Japanese superstar has reportedly requested privacy as he navigates his decision, but that has not stopped the speculation as Ohtani is expected to sign a record contract of $500 million-plus on the free agent market, according to The Associated Press. 

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"The Blue Jays, out of nowhere, have made a really strong run at Ohtani, and I’m not sure they’re considered the favorites at this point because this whole thing has been under a shroud of secrecy," ESPN’s Jeff Passan said Thursday during an appearance on the "Pat McAfee Show."  

"Dave Roberts, the Dodgers manager, acknowledged a couple of days ago that the Dodgers had met with Ohtani and pearls were being clutched everywhere because frankly, Ohtani and his camp went to everyone before the process started and said ‘We don’t want any leaks. We don’t want this in the media. We want no acknowledgment that this historic free agency is happening right now.’" 

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts watches from the dugout before Game 2 of a baseball NL Division Series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Monday, Oct. 9, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP