Game On! Rangers Free to Sign Ohtani
The Texas Rangers have needs in their bullpen and could use a starter. But there’s one star they wouldn’t mind adding to the roster — and he’s now fully available. As expected, Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Angels’ two-way star, turned down his one-year qualifying offer of $20.235 million, allowing him to fully explore free agency.
While the Rangers may not have been a serious candidate to sign the generational talent away from a American League West rival when the season started, much has changed. Texas is the World Series champion, armed with a roster of offensive talent and an owner who has shown a willingness to spend the past two offseasons. Free agent Shohei Ohtani will be limited to being a designated hitter in 2024. Abbie Parr-USA TODAY Sports On Monday, a report from CBS Sports said that Ohtani was less concerned about geography and more concerned about going to a team that can be competitive and give him a chance to go to the playoffs, something he has not done in his Major League career. Ohtani is, without question, the No. 1 free agent this offseason, even with the torn UCL that ended his season and led to the second Tommy John surgery of his career.
Ohtani and his representatives have made it clear that he is open to being solely a designated hitter in 2024, but is intent on pitching again once fully rehabbed from surgery. The recovery of Bryce Harper may mitigate concerns that Ohtani can’t contribute significantly at the plate in 2024.
Harper had the same surgery in November of 2022 and made the fastest return of any position player in MLB history. He was back in the batter’s box in late May. He went on to win a Silver Slugger as a designated hitter. Ohtani finished 2023 with a slash line of .304/.412/.654/1.066 with an AL-leading 44 home runs and 95 RBI. As a pitcher he went 10-5 with a 3.14 ERA with 167 strikeouts and 55 walks.
