We, as fans, tend to over value our players in trade scenarios. I know Ohtani is a once in several generations player, but are we over valuing him too?
Would any team really give up their top 4-5 prospects for 1.5 seasons of Ohtani?
Many of the teams that can really afford to sign him are already playoff bound this year (Dodgers, Yankees, Mets) and probably next. I am not sure they will see him as a worthwhile trade for one start in each round of the Play-offs, and as a DH.
That leaves the fringe teams who are looking for that extra bump to get them in.
Padres, Braves (fighting for a wildcard)
Brewers, Cardinals (fighting each other)
Blue Jays, Twins, Guardians, Mariners (maybe)
Of those teams, who can afford to sign him in order to justify the trade price?
Which teams that may be out of it this year think, with a little luck, will contend next year?
I don’t think he is going anywhere until maybe this off-season and for less than we think he is worth.