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

David

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Post on Jun 01, 2025

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

The MLB offseason just got a whole lot more interesting. With Shohei Ohtani's highly anticipated free agency now settled (he's heading to the Los Angeles Angels!), teams who heavily pursued the two-way superstar must now pivot and adjust their offseason strategies. The Toronto Blue Jays, San Francisco Giants, and Chicago Cubs, all considered frontrunners in the Ohtani sweepstakes, find themselves at a critical juncture, needing to recalibrate their plans to bolster their rosters for the upcoming season.

This article dives deep into the likely post-Ohtani strategies of these teams, examining their needs, potential targets, and the overall impact of missing out on baseball's most coveted free agent.

Toronto Blue Jays: A Focus on Pitching Depth

The Blue Jays' aggressive pursuit of Ohtani signaled their desire for a game-changing player. While missing out is a blow, their focus likely shifts to strengthening their pitching rotation. Their offense is already potent, featuring stars like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette. Expect General Manager Ross Atkins to explore options in free agency and potentially via trade to add another reliable starter and bolster their bullpen depth. Names like Kodai Senga (who ultimately signed with the Mets) and other available starting pitchers may be on their radar. The Blue Jays are still a strong contender in the AL East, and this renewed focus on pitching could be the key to unlocking their playoff potential.

San Francisco Giants: A Multi-faceted Approach

The Giants' pursuit of Ohtani highlighted their ambition to return to contention. Unlike the Blue Jays, their needs are more widespread. With Ohtani off the table, expect a multifaceted approach from the Giants' front office. They’ll likely seek improvements across the board, focusing on both pitching and hitting. This could involve targeting versatile players who can contribute in multiple areas. The free agent market still offers some intriguing options, and the Giants, known for their shrewd drafting and player development, are well-positioned to capitalize on opportunities. Their farm system could also yield some key contributors ready for the big leagues.

Chicago Cubs: Building on Recent Success

The Cubs’ surprising run in 2023 showcased their potential. While Ohtani would have been a massive boost, their focus remains on smart, strategic additions. They'll likely continue to bolster their young core with experienced veterans, prioritizing players who can contribute immediately and mentor younger talent. Expect the Cubs to focus on solidifying their bullpen and potentially adding a veteran bat to provide some extra power. Their approach is about sustainable success, not just a quick fix.

Los Angeles Angels: The Post-Ohtani Era Begins

The Angels, of course, are in a completely different situation. Landing Ohtani is a monumental achievement, significantly altering their outlook. Their immediate focus shifts to constructing a supporting cast worthy of his talent. Expect significant investment in both pitching and hitting, aiming to finally break their long playoff drought. This will involve both free agency and shrewd trades. This is no longer a rebuilding phase for the Angels; this is a win-now mode.

The Overall Impact

The fallout from Ohtani's decision ripples throughout the league. While some teams are disappointed, others see opportunities. The offseason is far from over, and the remaining free agents will be highly sought after. The coming weeks will be crucial in shaping the competitive landscape of the 2024 MLB season. This is a pivotal moment for several teams, and the strategic moves they make will define their success in the coming years.

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