There isn’t a team in baseball that would pass on the chance to have Shohei Ohtani. He’s a two-way superstar and a true generational talent — the likes of which we may never see again in baseball. But as Ohtani heads into free agency this offseason, there are several teams that have to feel decent about their chances of landing the Angels star.
It just so happened that one of those teams hosted this week’s MLB All-Star Game.
Ohtani was the star of the show this week in Seattle as Mariners fans did everything they could to let Ohtani know that they wanted him in a Mariners jersey next season. There were chants during his at-bats. There were signs in the stands. And he was repeatedly asked about joining the Mariners. But one reaction, in particular, seemed to inspire some hope amongst the Mariners faithful.
Shohei Ohtani shoulder shrug 🤷♂️ when asked about playing in Seattle for the Mariners next year….
Never has a shoulder shrug ever made me so happy 😂 h/t @Softykjr pic.twitter.com/qQKXv4tkR4
— Seattle Mariners ON Tap (@MarinersONtap) July 10, 2023
During media day, Ohtani was asked what he’d think about playing in Seattle next year. And as PR reps tried to wave off the question, Ohtani didn’t seem all too opposed to the idea. He smiled and then playfully shrugged as if he’d really consider it.
Before Ohtani settled on the Angels back in 2017, the Mariners were among the final teams he considered. To get Ohtani this time around, it would take an uncharacteristic willingness to spend from a team that ranks below the MLB average in payroll. But hey, it would certainly be worth a try. And Mariners fans were feeling optimistic after seeing that recent clip from Ohtani.
This was how Twitter reacted
THAT’S ALL I NEEDED TO SEE. OHTANI IS A MARINER. https://t.co/CZWMDXTaKe
— Goldy (@GoldGloveTV) July 11, 2023
Since we're losing Dame give us Shohei please https://t.co/5x3XmsVNNX
— Torey Jones (@ToreyJonesYT) July 10, 2023
Heartwarming: the most talented person you know didn't throw up when asked about playing for a team you like https://t.co/CSzIhum1tX
— draft another rb john (@wrongopinionman) July 11, 2023
He 100% is signing with the Mariners. https://t.co/oZ3GooLDUX
— Jason 🌟 (@XLAnimosity) July 11, 2023
WHY SHOHEI OHTANI SMILE LIKE THAT 😂😂😂
SUSPICIOUS https://t.co/ksYdRP3vjA
— Sun 🌻 (@Shoshine17) July 11, 2023
Would not be mad to see him play in Seattle but this is an absolute pipe dream. No way the M’s shell out that much money for any player when they are already paying Julio. https://t.co/el2IohxMJg
— Jeff Cook (@jeffcook1975) July 10, 2023
It’s ALMOST a yes https://t.co/rnVFaq3RVv
— Mike Coombs (@Dark_Knight_17) July 11, 2023
So you’re saying there’s a chance… https://t.co/xm1wD47FGn
— Chris Villasenor (@cdvillasenor) July 11, 2023
It's the most adorable shoulder shrug lmaoooo https://t.co/Z7BaGjMHck
— Ian (@ICC_99) July 11, 2023
He didn’t say no!