Blue Jays, Giants, Cubs, And Angels: Post-Ohtani MLB Offseason Plans Unveiled

3 min read Post on Jun 03, 2025

Blue Jays, Giants, Cubs, and Angels: Post-Ohtani MLB Offseason Plans Unveiled

The dust has settled after the Shohei Ohtani frenzy, leaving four teams – the Los Angeles Angels, San Diego Padres (who were also heavily involved), the Toronto Blue Jays, and the Chicago Cubs – with significant offseason decisions to make. While Ohtani ultimately chose the Angels, the ripple effect of his decision, and the considerable spending already seen this offseason, is reshaping the landscape of Major League Baseball. What are the next moves for these clubs? Let's dive into their potential post-Ohtani offseason plans.

The Los Angeles Angels: Building Around Ohtani 2.0

The Angels' primary focus is clear: build a championship-caliber team around Shohei Ohtani. Keeping him wasn’t just a victory; it’s a mandate to finally deliver on years of unrealized potential. This means addressing glaring weaknesses, particularly pitching depth and consistent offensive production beyond Ohtani and Mike Trout. Expect Arte Moreno and Perry Minasian to be active in free agency and trades, targeting starting pitching and potentially a power bat. Names like Lucas Giolito and Michael Lorenzen could be targets. The pressure is immense, but the Angels have the resources and, most importantly, the star power to make a serious run in 2024.

The San Diego Padres: Course Correction After a Disappointing Season

The Padres' aggressive pursuit of Ohtani ultimately fell short, leaving them with some serious soul-searching to do. Despite a star-studded roster featuring Manny Machado, Juan Soto, and Xander Bogaerts, the team fell well short of expectations in 2023. Their offseason strategy likely involves a more strategic approach, focusing on bolstering their pitching rotation and addressing their inconsistent offense. They might explore more budget-friendly options than previously anticipated, prioritizing team chemistry and improved depth over headline-grabbing signings. A quieter, more calculated approach could be the key to unlocking the Padres’ true potential.

The Toronto Blue Jays: Maintaining Momentum After a Strong 2023

The Blue Jays were considered a strong contender for Ohtani, showcasing their ambition and financial capacity. Even without him, their offseason focus remains on enhancing their already formidable roster. They’ll likely explore adding another impact bat to complement Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette. Pitching remains a priority, with a focus on securing reliable bullpen arms and potentially adding another starting pitcher if the right opportunity presents itself. The Blue Jays are poised to remain a force in the AL East, building upon their strong 2023 performance.

The Chicago Cubs: Continued Building Towards Contention

The Cubs surprised many with their strong performance last year, exceeding expectations under David Ross. Their Ohtani pursuit signaled a willingness to make a significant jump towards contention. While they missed out on the Japanese superstar, the Cubs are still actively looking to strengthen their roster. Expect them to prioritize both starting and relief pitching, potentially adding veteran leadership and experience to their young core. Offensive upgrades are also likely, focusing on consistent hitters who can contribute in key situations. The Cubs are building smartly, and their future looks bright.

Conclusion: A Shifting MLB Landscape

The aftermath of the Ohtani sweepstakes has significantly altered the MLB landscape. Each of these teams now has a distinct path forward, shaped by their respective strengths, weaknesses, and ambition. The coming weeks and months will reveal how effectively these clubs utilize their resources and strategize to compete for a World Series title in 2024. The race is on, and the anticipation is palpable. Stay tuned for further updates on MLB offseason moves!