Shohei Ohtani is set to hit free agency this offseason, and there’s a great chance that he’ll receive a record-breaking contract with his new team (unless he stays with the Angels, of course).
But after Monday’s game in Boston, he can probably cross the Red Sox off his list.
When the start of the Angels-Red Sox game at Fenway Park was delayed due to rain, MLB tried to get the game in despite more rain in the forecast. After one inning, that rain came back, but the umpiring crew — after receiving a favorable forecast — unsuccessfully tried to keep the game going without an additional delay.
That ultimately led to Ohtani warming up on the mound during a downpour. He did not look to be enjoying himself.
Sho-wer Time ☔️🚿✅
Shohei Ohtani warms up for the second inning at Fenway Park in pouring rain. Slight delay as ground crew now working on field at Fenway Park.
Credit: Ballys#大谷翔平 #Ohtani #Angels #GoHalos pic.twitter.com/v4hopRMFcs— Anaheim Sports (@AnaheimSports1) April 17, 2023
Yea Shohei’s not signing in Boston pic.twitter.com/UXf96xsLEW
— Steve Perrault (@Steve_Perrault) April 17, 2023
Sorry, Red Sox. If your team doesn’t have a roof — or isn’t located in Southern California — you shouldn’t get those hopes up for Ohtani. Between the multiple delays and a PitchCom system that couldn’t handle water, why would Ohtani want to deal with those conditions?
MLB fans all had the same joke about weather impacting Ohtani’s decision this offseason.
This was how Twitter reacted
You know where Shohei Ohtani can sign and NEVER have to experience pitching in this type of rain again?
San Diego, California pic.twitter.com/kHVF9tKimJ
— Devine Sports Gospel (@DevineGospel) April 17, 2023
And the Red Sox are out of the Ohtani sweepstakes pic.twitter.com/KhcFeK5lEe
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) April 17, 2023
Ohtani is definitely signing with another California team after this lmao pic.twitter.com/fiAF7qbA4e
— Jordan Cicchelli (@jordancicchelli) April 17, 2023
MLB tryna drive Ohtani’s off-season price down by having him pitch on a slip-n-slide pic.twitter.com/E2roezopHf
— Emily Nyman (@EmSheDoesIt) April 17, 2023
So……is Ohtani gonna sign with a team on the West Coast?
— PointsBet Sportsbook (@PointsBetUSA) April 17, 2023
Mr Ohtani, I just wanted you to know that in Milwaukee we have a roof and this doesn’t happen there. Also cheese curds! Just some things to remember this offseason pic.twitter.com/AI4GzHzuoI
— Ryan (@BrewPackOnYT) April 17, 2023
Wouldn't have an issue at Globe Life Field! https://t.co/V7ArYwfwfK pic.twitter.com/U1FzN3AWxs
— Depressed Mark Mathias Truther (@RangersSZN) April 17, 2023
Shohei, it'll never rain in Texas because we have a roof. You can ignore the City Connect jerseys, but it would be a great place for you. I'll show you some good BBQ as well.
Thanks in advance. https://t.co/8g6vW4T8oU
— Daniel Sterrett (@DannyONEtime) April 17, 2023
He’s coming to a place where they have a roof https://t.co/HlXObZrMAu pic.twitter.com/zZIXMkckHk
— Astros Monke🦍🍊 ✞🐍 (@AstrosMonke) April 17, 2023
Yeah, there’s no reason for Ohtani to deal with that weather when retractable roofs and Southern California exist.
