Chicago Cubs Among Top Teams Linked to Ohtani

The Chicago Cubs are among nine teams that could be in play for two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani this winter in MLB free agency according to ESPN.

While not at the top of the list, the Cubs are seen as a club that could have the financial muscle to pull off such a move.

It would be an interesting pivot for Chicago, a team that could end up being sellers at this year's MLB trade deadline after a disappointing start.

Players such as Cody Bellinger, Marcus Stroman and Kyle Hendricks could be off the books. Add in pitcher Drew Smyly and the Cubs have some financial freedom to play around with.

Of course, signing Ohtani would require what appears to be a minimum $500 million contract. Whether or not that is something the Ricketts family ownership is willing to pony up is another matter.

However, ownership and the front office did succumb to fan pressure this past offseason and spent $300 million on free agency.

Is nearly double that spending on a single player, albeit a two-way phenom, worth it?

Ohtani would undoubtedly become the building block for Chicago and playing for such a historic franchise may hold some weight. Add in the fact the Cubs pursued Ohtani out of Japan, the idea may not seem so far-fetched.

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