OK, enough about all that other stuff. All anyone really wants to know is whether this will be the week Shohei Ohtani finally signs. And the answer may be yes.
"I'm thinking he may sign at the Winter Meetings, which would be very, very exciting," Heyman said during a B/R live chat on Wednesday. "That seems to be the prevailing opinion at this point."
On Sunday, Morosi pretty much echoed this stance:
Jon Morosi @jonmorosiShohei Ohtani is likely to decide on a team within the next week, according to one source engaged with the top end of the free-agent market. <a href="">@MLBNetwork</a> <a href="">@MLB</a>
Yet even if this is indeed the when, the where is still anyone's guess. Ohtani has been deliberately secretive with his free agency, even going so far as to hold it against teams if any visits are reported publicly.
Things are pointing toward a decision, however. As ESPN's Jeff Passan reported Friday, the Red Sox, Rangers and Mets are out, leaving the incumbent Angels as well as the Cubs, Blue Jays, Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers as the teams still in the bidding.
Oh, and Passan also reported that some expect the two-time MVP to command a contract worth $600 million. Or, shockingly close to twice the current record for new money in a contract, set by Mookie Betts' 12-year, $365 million deal with the Dodgers from 2020.
