Chicago Cubs Listed Among Favorites to Pursue Ohtani in Free Agency
The Chicago Cubs have been surprise contenders this season, much to everyone but Chicago's surprise.
The resurgence of Cody Bellinger, Justin Steele's Cy Young-worthy campaign and the addition of Dansby Swanson has catapulted the Cubs not just into a Wild Card spot but the National League Central title conversation as well.
So, how do they improve moving forward?
How about adding Shohei Ohtani in free agency?
It's not as far-fetched as it sounds.
The Athletic recently spoke with executives around the league about where they thought Ohtani could end up signing.
Chicago was on the list at no. 8.
"The Cubs have been a surprise team this year and look like they’re going to make the playoffs as a wild-card entry, thanks to shrewd moves by president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer and GM Carter Hawkins. Ricketts has the resources to sign Ohtani but will leave it up to Hoyer to decide whether they want to spend it on Ohtani or spread it around to several players instead," writes Jim Bowden.
"Based on Hoyer’s history, I would lean toward thinking he won’t want to spend that much on any one player, but time will tell. The atmosphere at Wrigley Field and the fact that Chicago is by far the largest market in the NL Central would work in their favor if the Cubs decide to make a run at him."
The Cubs pursuing Ohtani does seem a bit of a stretch. Sure, Chicago opened it's pocketbook for guys like Bellinger, Swanson and Jameson Taillon this past winter, but that's far different from a $50-60 million a year contract for a decade.
Still, adding Ohtani gives you another entire country for a market in Japan. A rabid fanbase who can't get enough of Ohtani. The acquiring team also gets the face of the sport and all the fanfare and revenue that comes with it.
Whoever signs Ohtani will do so for an exorbitant amount of money. But it's an investment that should see immediate returns, both on the field and in the bank accounts.
