Blue Jays, Giants, Cubs, And Angels: Their Post-Shohei Ohtani MLB Offseason Game Plans

David

3 min read

Post on May 23, 2025

4.7

Share

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

The dust has settled on the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes, with the Angels securing the two-way superstar's services for another season. But what does this mean for the other teams who aggressively pursued him—the Toronto Blue Jays, San Francisco Giants, and Chicago Cubs? This offseason, their strategies will likely shift dramatically, impacting the landscape of Major League Baseball in significant ways.

The Toronto Blue Jays: A Pivot to Pitching Depth?

The Blue Jays were considered serious contenders for Ohtani, potentially offering a package centered around top pitching prospects. With Ohtani off the table, their focus is likely to remain on bolstering their pitching rotation. While their offense is already potent, adding another reliable starter or solidifying their bullpen could be the key to a World Series run. Expect General Manager Ross Atkins to explore trade options and free agency, potentially targeting established veterans or high-ceiling young arms. Their scouting department will be working overtime, identifying undervalued pitchers who can contribute immediately. Don't be surprised if they prioritize pitching depth over big-name acquisitions.

San Francisco Giants: A Return to the Youth Movement?

The Giants' pursuit of Ohtani signaled a potential shift away from their recent, largely unsuccessful, strategy of signing a multitude of veteran players. Landing Ohtani would have revolutionized their franchise. Now, with Ohtani staying put, expect the Giants to revert to a youth-focused approach. This could involve promoting talented prospects from their farm system and strategically investing in young, cost-effective free agents with high upside. Look for them to prioritize developing their existing talent and building a sustainable, long-term competitive team, rather than chasing immediate gratification via short-term contracts.

Chicago Cubs: Maintaining Momentum with Strategic Acquisitions

The Cubs’ aggressive pursuit of Ohtani showcased their ambition to contend in the highly competitive NL Central. While missing out on Ohtani is a blow, their offseason strategy likely remains focused on targeted acquisitions. This could involve adding a proven power hitter to bolster their lineup or another reliable arm to the bullpen. They have demonstrated a willingness to spend, and their focus will likely be on securing players who fill specific needs and complement their existing roster. The Cubs have momentum, and they'll aim to keep it rolling.

Los Angeles Angels: All Eyes on the Playoffs

The Angels’ successful retention of Shohei Ohtani is monumental, shifting their entire offseason narrative. Their primary focus now becomes maximizing Ohtani's talent and building a winning team capable of making a deep playoff run. Expect a flurry of activity aimed at improving their supporting cast around Ohtani, potentially addressing their weaknesses in the bullpen and adding depth to their lineup. This might involve trades for proven veterans or a focus on free agents who can make an immediate impact. The pressure is on the Angels to deliver a winning season. This is their Super Bowl.

The Overall MLB Landscape

The Ohtani decision dramatically alters the landscape of the MLB offseason. While some teams recalibrate their strategies, others may seize the opportunity to make unexpected moves. The coming weeks and months promise exciting developments and plenty of speculation as teams finalize their rosters for the upcoming season. The race for the playoffs just got a whole lot more interesting.

What are your predictions for these teams this upcoming season? Share your thoughts in the comments below!