Shohei Ohtani’s winter has arrived, and there appears to be a new rumor every day. Nobody knows what type of contract Ohtani will receive, but his agreement has the potential to make MLB history.

The UCL tear Ohtani experienced during the season appears to have prompted some misunderstanding regarding the amount of money he will receive this offseason. Before the injury, it seemed a foregone conclusion that Ohtani would have received a contract of at least $500 million.

However, with this injury and the fact that he won’t be able to play both ways in 2024, the price may come down. One National League executive claimed that they had no idea what the final contract would look like.

“I truly don’t know,” claimed another NL executive. “I had my own opinion before he got hurt, and I honestly don’t know where he’s going or what the contract will look like given the injury.” You could tell me he’ll get $300 million or $800 million, and I’d reply, ‘OK, I see that.’ It’s going to be thrilling.”

Ohtani will more than makeup for any salary he receives this off-season. His marketability alone is enormous, and the team that secures him will benefit exponentially.

“There will be competition, which will drive up the price,” another AL executive said. “Prior to the injury, I was thinking, ‘How do you not pay $700 million for him?'” He’s an outstanding two-way player; signing two men who do what he accomplished would cost you $700 million. I know he’s one guy, and that’s a difficult thing to negotiate, but I don’t think he has a significant impact. He’ll have no trouble finding suitors.”

Of course, the Angels want him back, but are they willing to spend everything it takes? That is the question, especially given their lack of success with him on the roster throughout the years.

“I know the Angels are trying hard for him,” an NL executive said. “They want to show people that they’re trying.”

He’s been linked to the cross-town Los Angeles Dodgers for quite some time, and signing with them might be a huge move for everyone concerned. Ohtani would get to play for one of the league’s best teams, and Los Angeles would receive the largest show in sports.

Whatever happens with Ohtani, this will be one of the most highly followed free-agency periods in baseball history. It’s not every day that the modern-day Babe Ruth approaches free agency, and every team wants to sign him.