Blue Jays, Giants, Cubs, & Angels: Post-Shohei Ohtani Offseason Plans

David

3 min read

Post on Jun 01, 2025

4.7

Share

Blue Jays, Giants, Cubs, & Angels: Post-Shohei Ohtani Offseason Plans

The baseball offseason is in full swing, and while the dust has yet to settle on the Shohei Ohtani saga – his record-breaking deal with the Los Angeles Angels – the ripple effects are being felt across the league. Four teams, in particular, find themselves at crucial junctures, re-evaluating their strategies in the wake of Ohtani's departure from free agency. Let's delve into the post-Ohtani offseason plans of the Blue Jays, Giants, Cubs, and Angels.

The Los Angeles Angels: Rebuilding and Re-strategizing

The Angels, having secured Ohtani's services, now face a different kind of challenge: supporting him effectively. Their offseason moves will be pivotal in solidifying their contention window. While retaining Ohtani represents a massive victory, the team still needs to address significant weaknesses. Expect them to focus on bolstering their pitching staff and adding depth to their lineup. This will likely involve a mix of free agent signings and trades, targeting players who complement Ohtani's unique skillset. The pressure is on Angels general manager Perry Minasian to deliver a winning team around their superstar. Failure to do so could jeopardize Ohtani's long-term commitment.

Toronto Blue Jays: Maintaining Momentum

The Blue Jays were considered a serious contender for Ohtani, but ultimately fell short. However, their offseason isn't defined by what they didn't get. Instead, they can focus on building upon their existing strong foundation. Toronto already possesses a formidable lineup and a promising young pitching core. Expect them to explore adding depth in key areas, possibly focusing on bullpen reinforcements and solidifying their infield. Their focus remains on playoff contention, and the Ohtani pursuit, while unsuccessful, hasn’t derailed their ambitions.

San Francisco Giants: A Return to Competitiveness?

The Giants, after a disappointing season, were also rumored to be interested in Ohtani. His absence forces them to re-evaluate their long-term strategy. While a complete rebuild isn't likely, they'll need significant upgrades to return to competitiveness. Expect a blend of young talent development and shrewd free agent acquisitions. The Giants’ front office will prioritize strengthening their pitching rotation and finding reliable offensive contributors, potentially through trades involving some of their existing prospects.

Chicago Cubs: Building on a Promising Season

The Cubs, having exceeded expectations in 2023, are in a unique position. Ohtani would have been a game-changer, but his signing elsewhere doesn't significantly alter their trajectory. Their focus will remain on smart additions to solidify their roster. This likely includes targeting starting pitching and reinforcing their defense. The Cubs’ young core gives them a strong foundation to build upon, making strategic, targeted moves more likely than a drastic overhaul.

The Long-Term Implications

The outcome of these teams' offseason strategies will profoundly impact the 2024 MLB season and beyond. The absence of Ohtani from the free-agent market has shifted the landscape, creating opportunities and challenges for various teams. The coming weeks and months will reveal how effectively these organizations adjust to this new reality and build their respective rosters for a successful campaign. The race for the playoffs is already heating up!

Call to Action: What are your predictions for these teams' 2024 seasons? Share your thoughts in the comments below!