REPORT: Shohei Ohtani reportedly "intrigued" by possibility of playing for Atlanta Braves

The two-way player has prioritized playing for a contender and Atlanta's set up to be competitive long-term

Shohei Ohtani's free agency is going to dominate the headlines until he signs. How often does a (probable) two-time MVP that can both pitch and hit at the highest level come available in free agency? 

And according to MLB Network insider Jon Morosi, Ohtani's intrigued by the possibility of playing for the Atlanta Braves. 

The big takeaway from the report is Morosi's assertion that Ohtani is "less concerned about geography and more concerned about the quality of the team he is going to."

And as Morosi notes in the video, no team is set up for consistent, sustained success than the Atlanta Braves. With seven of the eight position player spots signed through 2027 and Spencer Strider on top of the rotation, the Braves have long-term stability the likes that Ohtani's never had in his career. 

And looking at the roster fit, it's easy to see how Ohtani can fit into the lineup and rotation going forward - he's not pitching in 2024 as he recovers from Tommy John surgery, but Atlanta's going to need arms in 2025 as Max Fried reaches free agency and Charlie Morton faces retirement. 

From a lineup perspective, Ohtani's fit needs a little bit of movement, but it's still doable. Atlanta has one more season of team control (plus an option year) of Marcell Ozuna at DH, but he theoretically can play left field - where Atlanta conveniently has no one right now on the roster to take those innings. 

But there's a big question outstanding with this - the salary. Despite the reports from this morning that the Braves are willing to exceed their $22M go-to figure for the right free agent, that's believed to be for a starting pitcher that can help Atlanta win in 2024. Ohtani isn't that. 

Additionally, there's a big difference in "exceeding $22M/year by going to $25 or $27M per year" and "paying Shohei Ohtani the $35M or $40M per year" it's expected to ultimately land the phenom. 

But can you imagine? 

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