For about an hour on Friday afternoon, it appeared that Los Angeles Angels superstar pitcher and designated hitter Shohei Ohtani was going to be a Toronto Blue Jay. And he still could end up with the organization, but we just don’t know yet.
What began as a mere rumor with amateur flight trackers and unverified videos of Ohtani in an airport terminal was brought into the mainstream when it was reported that the free agent was en route to Toronto, though it noted Ohtani’s representative did not confirm that.
While MLB fans waited on the edge of their seats for official word of an agreement, a subsequent report from USA TODAY Sports columnist Bob Nightengale threw everything into flux.
Shohei Ohtani is NOT in Toronto.
Ohtani is NOT on a flight to Toronto.
Ohtani is at home in Southern California.— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 8, 2023
Multiple other reports later confirmed Nightengale’s scoop that Ohtani was never in Toronto and is still in southern California.
Can confirm Shohei Ohtani is not en route to Toronto and is home in SoCal @BNightengale on it
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 8, 2023
It’s been a secretive free agency process so far for the three-time All-Star and two-time American League MVP, and while it seemed like it was heading toward a resolution Friday, the rumor mill only continues to intensify surrounding where Ohtani will play in 2024 and beyond.
