Also, I don’t believe that Ohtani has a comp, so while the next big free agent might want a similar contract, they won’t be getting it. Soto is probably next, and likely ends up closer to $500M.
I don’t know what’s worse—knowing or not knowing what the return from the Dodgers was going to be? Especially if Jake was part of it, as rumored. I suspect Edys was in the deal, as they had to move him.
I love Ohtani, but $500+ million for a guy who may never pitch effectively again, seems excessive. Hard to quantify the marketing impact he would have for a team, though.
He started there, though, I believe. Think the BoSox moved him to the OF cause they had Pedroia and Bogarts in the infield.
I could also be horribly wrong, too.
Sparky was also pissed at the Tigers near the end—I’ve read they treated him differently after he refused to manage scabs during the 1994 strike. Apparently Mr. I was not happy with that decision.
It’s not far-fetched. Tatis has a PED suspension and rumors of attitude issues. Also has a massive contract. And the Padres need to clear payroll. Also had a bit of a pedestrian offensive season last year (by his standards).
Whoever trades for him would be assuming some risk.