The Race To Replace Ohtani: Blue Jays, Giants, Cubs, And Angels' Offseason Plans

David

3 min read

Post on Jul 13, 2025

4.8

Share

The Race to Replace Ohtani: Blue Jays, Giants, Cubs, and Angels' Offseason Plans

The 2023-2024 MLB offseason is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in recent memory, largely due to the impending free agency of Shohei Ohtani. While the two-way superstar's future remains uncertain, several teams are already positioning themselves to potentially fill the colossal void he'll leave, regardless of where he lands. The Toronto Blue Jays, San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs, and even the Los Angeles Angels themselves are all reportedly preparing for a significant shift in their roster compositions. Let's delve into their respective offseason plans and strategies.

The Los Angeles Angels: A Necessary Rebuild?

The Angels, Ohtani's current team, face the most daunting task. Losing Ohtani would be a devastating blow, exposing a significant gap in their offensive and pitching power. Their offseason strategy will likely hinge on two key areas:

• Replacing Ohtani's Production: This necessitates a multi-pronged approach. They'll need to target both a high-impact starting pitcher and a powerful hitter, likely through a combination of free agency and trades. Names like Justin Verlander and Jacob deGrom are being floated, but their price tags will be substantial.
• Youth Movement and Roster Restructuring: The Angels need a long-term vision. Investing heavily in young talent and potentially trading away veteran players could pave the way for a sustainable future, even without Ohtani. This involves shrewd scouting, player development, and strategic acquisitions.

The Toronto Blue Jays: Bolstering an Already Strong Lineup

The Blue Jays are consistently mentioned as a frontrunner for Ohtani's services, possessing both the financial resources and a roster capable of absorbing his immense talent. However, even if they miss out, their offseason plans remain ambitious:

• Targeting Pitching Depth: While boasting a strong offense, the Blue Jays need reliable starting pitching depth. They’ll likely explore both free agency and trades to bolster their rotation, ensuring they have enough arms to compete for a World Series.
• Strategic Minor League Additions: Developing homegrown talent remains a priority. Expect the Blue Jays to continue to focus on their minor league system, looking for potential breakout stars to contribute at the major league level.

The San Francisco Giants: A Potential Powerhouse in the Making?

The Giants, known for their shrewd front office, have consistently built competitive teams. Adding Ohtani would catapult them to the top of the NL West, but their plans extend beyond just one player:

• Building a Balanced Roster: The Giants' focus will be on balancing their offense and pitching. They are likely to pursue free agent pitchers and hitters who complement their existing roster, aiming for a consistent, deep lineup and a strong rotation.
• Long-Term Vision: The Giants have a reputation for careful planning and smart investments. Expect them to look for players with both immediate impact and long-term potential, ensuring continued competitiveness.

The Chicago Cubs: A Young Team on the Rise

The Cubs, with their young and talented core, present a different type of challenge. While signing Ohtani would be a massive coup, their strategy likely revolves around continued development:

• Organic Growth and Strategic Additions: The Cubs' primary focus remains on their already impressive young talent. They’ll likely complement this with strategic free agent signings and trades that support their current roster and development plan.
• Focusing on Specific Needs: Rather than chasing a single superstar, the Cubs may target players who fill specific positional gaps, allowing their young players to continue to develop without undue pressure.

The Bottom Line: The race to replace—or acquire—Shohei Ohtani has set the stage for a fascinating MLB offseason. The teams mentioned above, along with others, will be active participants in shaping the landscape of the league in the coming months. The decisions they make will not only determine their success in 2024 but will also impact the future trajectory of their franchises for years to come. Stay tuned for further updates as the offseason unfolds!