Red Sox Rival Reportedly 'Sleeper' To Land Two-Way Superstar Shohei Ohtani In Free Agency

The American League East already is one of the most difficult divisions in baseball but it could get even tougher this offseason.

The Boston Red Sox hopefully will be better in 2024 as the club is expected to spend big this offseason to shore up the roster. Every team in the division will be looking to improve this offseason but Red Sox fans should be wary of the Toronto Blue Jays. Toronto won 89 games in 2023 and could get even better this offseason as the club reportedly is a "sleeper" to land Los Angeles Angels two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani, according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.

"At least one rival executive views the Blue Jays as a sleeper for Shohei Ohtani," Rosenthal said. "The exec's rationale is this: any plans the Jays had to sign Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette to massive extensions might now be on hold. George Springer's six-year, $150 million contract expires after 2026. The team remains in need of left-handed power. 

"The Jays could sell Toronto as an international city with a growing Japanese population. But one problem for them, and for that matter the Red Sox and (New York Yankees), is that if Ohtani's priority is winning, he might prefer a club outside the highly competitive (American League East)." 

Ohtani undoubtedly is the best free agent available this offseason. He arguably is the most intriguing free agent in baseball history and if he were to land with the Blue Jays he would hurt the Red Sox for years to come. He won't be able to pitch in 2024, but will still hit as a designated hitter and is one of the best sluggers in baseball. Eventually, he will return to the mound and hopefully return to form as a club's No. 1 ace. If he were to land with Toronto, that would be bad news for the Red Sox.

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