Blue Jays, Giants, Cubs, And Angels: Post-Ohtani MLB Offseason Strategies And Predictions

3 min read Post on May 30, 2025

Blue Jays, Giants, Cubs, and Angels: Post-Ohtani MLB Offseason Strategies and Predictions

The 2023 MLB offseason has been a whirlwind, culminating in the blockbuster Shohei Ohtani signing with the Los Angeles Angels. This seismic shift in the league's power dynamic leaves several teams, including the Toronto Blue Jays, San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs, and even the Angels themselves, facing crucial decisions and strategizing for the upcoming season. How will these teams adjust their plans in the wake of Ohtani's departure from the free agent market? Let's dive into their likely offseason strategies and predictions.

The Los Angeles Angels: Rebuilding Around Ohtani – and Beyond

The Angels finally secured their franchise player, but their work is far from over. Landing Ohtani represents a monumental victory, injecting a much-needed dose of star power and excitement into their franchise. However, they still need to bolster their roster significantly. Their pitching rotation, while now featuring Ohtani, requires further strengthening. Expect the Angels to aggressively pursue both starting pitching and reliable bullpen arms this offseason. Adding consistent offensive production beyond Ohtani and Mike Trout is also paramount. Their offseason success will be measured not only by retaining Ohtani but by the supporting cast they build around him.

The Toronto Blue Jays: Addressing Offensive Needs and Pitching Depth

The Blue Jays were considered a potential landing spot for Ohtani, and his absence leaves them needing to solidify their offensive lineup. While boasting a strong pitching rotation featuring Alek Manoah, Kevin Gausman and Hyun Jin Ryu, improving their offensive consistency remains a priority. Adding a reliable power hitter and potentially addressing their defensive weaknesses in the outfield should be key focuses. Look for the Blue Jays to be active in the trade market and free agency, targeting players who can provide immediate impact.

The San Francisco Giants: A Continued Quest for Consistent Offense

The Giants missed out on Ohtani, but their pursuit highlights their ambition. Their focus will remain on bolstering their offense. They need a more consistent lineup to support their pitching staff, which has shown flashes of brilliance but lacked overall consistency. Expect the Giants to explore both free agency and trades for players who can deliver both power and batting average. Their scouting department will play a key role in identifying undervalued talent that fits their team's culture and needs.

The Chicago Cubs: Building on a Strong Foundation

The Cubs made significant strides in 2023, exceeding expectations. While Ohtani wouldn't have been a bad addition, their focus remains on organic growth. They'll likely prioritize adding depth to their pitching staff and further refining their offensive strategy. Smart, strategic moves, rather than blockbuster signings, will likely define their offseason approach. Expect them to focus on developing young talent while strategically supplementing the roster with experienced players.

Predictions for the Offseason and Beyond

Angels: Expect a significant increase in payroll, focusing on starting pitching and offensive reinforcements. Their playoff chances will hinge on the quality of their supporting cast.
Blue Jays: Look for them to make impactful trades and free-agent signings to strengthen their batting lineup and provide additional depth in their pitching rotation.
Giants: A continued emphasis on offensive improvements is expected, potentially through a combination of free agency and trades. Their success will depend on identifying and acquiring consistent offensive contributors.
Cubs: A more measured approach is anticipated. Strategic additions to their pitching and offense, focusing on complementary players rather than headline-grabbing signings, are likely.

The post-Ohtani MLB landscape is dramatically altered. The teams mentioned above, and many others, will need to adapt and strategize effectively to contend in the upcoming season. The coming weeks and months will reveal how each team responds to this new reality and shapes their roster for a run at the postseason.