Ohtani's Departure: How The Blue Jays, Giants, Cubs, And Angels Will Contend

David

3 min read

Post on Jun 21, 2025

4.7

Share

Ohtani's Departure: How the Blue Jays, Giants, Cubs, and Angels Will Contend in 2024

The 2023 MLB season ended with a whirlwind of activity, but perhaps no player dominated the offseason headlines quite like Shohei Ohtani. His departure from the Los Angeles Angels leaves a gaping hole in their lineup and rotation, but also throws a significant wrench into the plans of several teams vying for the 2024 World Series. With Ohtani potentially signing with a new team, the landscape of the American and National Leagues has dramatically shifted. Let's examine how four prominent contenders – the Toronto Blue Jays, San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs, and the now-rebuilding Los Angeles Angels – will navigate the post-Ohtani era.

The Toronto Blue Jays: A Powerhouse Bolstered (or Not)?

The Blue Jays were heavily rumored to be in the running for Ohtani's services. While missing out on the two-way superstar is a blow, their existing roster remains formidable. They possess a potent lineup featuring stars like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, and Alejandro Kirk. Their pitching rotation, while needing depth, still boasts strong arms. Their focus now shifts to bolstering their pitching staff and possibly adding another impactful bat. Their success in 2024 hinges on consistent pitching and minimizing injuries within their star-studded lineup. The AL East remains highly competitive, and the Blue Jays will need to perform at their peak to contend.

The San Francisco Giants: A Wild Card in the NL West

The Giants, known for their strong farm system and strategic acquisitions, were another team linked to Ohtani. Failing to land him doesn't derail their plans entirely. Their young pitching talent, combined with veterans, offers a solid foundation. However, they need consistent offensive production. The NL West is incredibly competitive, with the Dodgers and Padres poised for strong seasons. The Giants' success depends on breakout performances from their younger players and shrewd moves in the trade market. Their approach is more about building sustained success rather than a quick fix.

The Chicago Cubs: A Building Block, or a Setback?

The Cubs, already in a rebuilding phase, saw Ohtani as a potentially transformative player. Missing out on him means their timeline might be slightly extended. However, their young core, including Seiya Suzuki, provides a solid base for future contention. Their focus will remain on developing their young talent and strategically adding veteran leadership. The NL Central is a division up for grabs, but the Cubs likely won't be serious contenders in 2024, focusing instead on longer-term growth.

The Los Angeles Angels: A Rebuild is Necessary

For the Angels, Ohtani's departure marks the beginning of a significant rebuild. They now face the challenge of filling a massive void in both their pitching and hitting. The focus shifts to developing young talent, shrewd trades, and smart free-agent signings. The immediate future looks bleak, but with a strategic approach, they could return to contention in the coming years. The key will be identifying and nurturing the next generation of Angels stars.

Conclusion: A Shifting Landscape

Ohtani's decision has significantly reshaped the landscape of Major League Baseball. While some teams, like the Blue Jays and Giants, remain strong contenders, others, such as the Cubs and Angels, face significant challenges. The 2024 season promises to be an exciting one, with many teams vying for a championship title in a post-Ohtani era. This upcoming season will be a fascinating test of managerial skill, team building, and ultimately, which teams can adapt and overcome adversity. Stay tuned for the twists and turns ahead!