SAN FRANCISCO The Giants were devastated to learn that two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani had signed a 10-year, $700 million contract with the rival Dodgers on Monday, capping another high-profile free-agent chase.
The 29-year-old Ohtani suggested that the Dodgers receive “unprecedented deferrals” in exchange for a reduction in competitive balance taxes and cash-flow burdens. This megadeal is undoubtedly the largest guarantee in the history of professional sports in North America.
A nightmarish situation for the Giants, who not only lost out on the generational talent they so desperately wanted, but also saw the Dodgers bolster their already impressive lineup—which already included MVP candidates like Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts—by adding another star.
The Giants had been expected to make a strong push for the Japanese sensation after losing out on Aaron Judge, Carlos Correa, and Bryce Harper in recent years, but the Dodgers had long been seen as the front-runners for Ohtani, who is expected to be limited to designated hitter duties in 2024 as he recovers from elbow surgery.
The Giants met with Ohtani and his agent, Nez Balelo, at Oracle Park on December 2. According to Farhan Zaidi, president of baseball operations, the team was willing to match the conditions of the Dodgers’ offer, which included the $680 million in deferred money.
In a Zoom call with reporters, Zaidi stated, “The proposal that was made was very comparable, if not identical, to what he wound up agreeing to.” “We proposed the largest contract in Major League Baseball history. We probably weren’t the first squad to do that. we wanted to immediately demonstrate our assertiveness and desire.
“It was undoubtedly a unique arrangement. We had a vague understanding of the advantages for both the athlete and the team. Once more, it was a departure from our earlier proposal, but it was something we could handle. We kind of hastily changed the subject and said we could accept it.
“Every financial goal or request from their camp was met, and they did so quite quickly, demonstrating the level of commitment that we had from our ownership group in this pursuit.”
The Giants suspected that Ohtani eventually intended to stay in Southern California despite their best efforts.
Zaidi remarked, “I think we felt really good about our chances at certain points.” As you usually do, you have some reservations or questions at other times because you are aware of how fiercely competitive business is. It did appear that location was important. Given the number of teams that expressed interest, it wasn’t a deal-breaker or an absolute necessity, but we were aware that staying in Southern California would present challenges.
The Giants will probably focus on Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the ace of the Orix Buffaloes, who is another Japanese sensation and is predicted to sign the largest contract of any free agency pitcher this offseason, now that Ohtani is not available. The Mets and Yankees are still vying for Yamamoto, and some believe that the two New York clubs will go to bat in the bidding.