TORONTO — In a light-hearted moment ahead of the World Series, Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider playfully requested that MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani return some merchandise he had taken during contract discussions before signing a blockbuster $700 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Ohtani met with the Blue Jays’ officials on December 4, 2023, at their spring training facility in Dunedin, Florida.
As the anticipation builds for the World Series, in which Ohtani will lead off for the Dodgers against the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre, Schneider recalled the team’s meeting with a bit of humor. “I hope he brought his hat, the Blue Jay hat that he took from us in our meeting. I hope he brought it back, finally,” Schneider remarked, adding a jest about a jacket belonging to Ohtani’s dog, Decoy. Ohtani responded with a smile, indicating that the cap was currently in his garage.
Ohtani has had an incredible impact on the Dodgers, contributing to their title run last year with impressive statistics: a .310 batting average, 54 home runs, 130 RBIs, and 59 stolen bases. This season, after returning from elbow surgery, he posted a .282 average with 55 home runs and 102 RBIs while also pitching effectively, achieving a 2.87 ERA in 14 starts.
The Blue Jays, though missing out on signing Ohtani, secured their future by inking first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to a substantial $500 million, 14-year contract that begins next year, contributing significantly to the team’s return to the World Series for the first time since 1993. Schneider expressed confidence in his squad, emphasizing the talent and character of the players around him.
Reflecting on the Blue Jays’ meeting with Ohtani, Schneider stated that while they felt optimistic about their chances, the unpredictable nature of free agency means the outcome can vary widely. “When we met with him, you felt good about it. But you never really know what a player’s feeling in free agency,” Schneider said.
Ohtani acknowledged the challenges faced by free agents, mentioning, “It’s an unfortunate reality as a free agent that you get to really pick one team. The decision had to be made, but again, this organization has been superb. They have a lot of awesome people.”
The World Series highlights not only the talent of athletes like Ohtani but also the fleeting opportunities that shape the legacies of teams in the sport. As both the Dodgers and Blue Jays prepare to battle for the championship, the excitement surrounding this matchup also underscores the bright future ahead for both organizations.