Cubs Can Target Ohtani Now That He's Free Of Qualifying Offer

The target of all free-agent targets for the Chicago Cubs is now fully available.

Shohei Ohtani, the two-way superstar who may be named the American League MVP later this week, turned down the Los Angeles Angels’ qualifying offer of $20.325 million on Tuesday, ensuring he’ll enter the market as the No. 1 free agent.

The belief is that despite a major injury that won’t allow him to pitch in 2024 is that Ohtani could land a contract in excess of $500 million.

The Cubs were interested in Ohtani when he came over from Japan before the 2018 season, but he opted to sign with the Angels. After several highly successful seasons with the Angels — and two Tommy John procedures — the Cubs have a chance to land Ohtani once again.

On Monday, a report from CBS Sports said that Ohtani was less concerned about geography and more concerned about going to a team that can be competitive and give him a chance to go to the playoffs, something he has not done in his Major League career.

It wasn’t a surprise that Ohtani turned down the offer. Only seven players received the qualifying offer this offseason, and only 13 of the 124 players that have received it since 2012 have accepted it. Most MLB teams make the move in order to receive draft pick compensation if the player signs elsewhere.

For his career, he is a three-time All-Star, the 2018 AL Rookie of the Year and the 2021 AL MVP. He’ll find out later this week if he’s an AL MVP for the second time.

Ohtani finished 2023 with a slash line of .304/.412/.654/1.066 with 44 home runs and 95 RBI, with his homers leading the American League. As a pitcher he went 10-5 with a 3.14 ERA with 167 strikeouts and 55 walks.

Ohtani and his representatives have made it clear that while Ohtani is open to being solely a designated hitter in 2024, he is intent on continuing to be a two-way player once he is fully rehabbed from his surgery.

The recovery of Philadelphia’s Bryce Harper may mitigate concerns that Ohtani can’t contribute significantly at the plate in 2024.

Harper had the same surgery in November of 2022 and made the fastest return from the surgery of any position player in MLB history, as he was back in the batter’s box in late May. He went on to win a Silver Slugger as a designated hitter.

If the Cubs land him, it’s likely a replacement for another free agent, Cody Bellinger, who turned down his qualifying offer from the Cubs and is testing the market for a long-term deal. Many consider him to be the No. 2 free-agent on the market.