During the offseason, Toronto Blue Jays fans were abuzz with excitement over the possibility of landing Shohei Ohtani, a highly talented baseball player. Rumors circulated that Ohtani was considering a visit to Toronto, sparking anticipation among fans.
The speculation intensified when reports surfaced that Ohtani's decision on his next team was imminent. Social media posts, including one about Blue Jays' Japanese pitcher Yusei Kikuchi making reservations at a Toronto sushi spot, added fuel to the fire. Additionally, the sighting of a plane from Anaheim, Ohtani's former team location, en route to Toronto further fueled the speculation.
Amidst the growing excitement, MLB Network reported that Ohtani was on his way to Toronto, leading to rumors of an impending press conference by the Blue Jays. However, these reports were swiftly debunked, and Ohtani eventually signed a record-setting $700 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Despite the disappointment among Toronto fans, Ohtani made his first visit to the city following the rumors. Fans expressed their displeasure by booing him, but Ohtani responded in spectacular fashion by hitting a massive home run during the game.
It was later revealed that the plane in question belonged to Canadian businessman Robert Herjavec of 'Shark Tank,' dispelling the initial speculation surrounding Ohtani's potential visit to Toronto.
On the field, Ohtani has been delivering exceptional performances. He entered the weekend with impressive offensive stats, boasting a .354 batting average and an MLB-leading .681 slugging percentage. Although he is currently not pitching due to elbow surgery, Ohtani's offensive prowess has been a standout feature of his game.
In the 2023 season, Ohtani excelled both as a hitter and a pitcher. He led the majors with a .654 slugging percentage and a 1.066 OPS, showcasing his versatility on the field. As a pitcher, Ohtani posted a 10-5 record with a 3.14 ERA and 167 strikeouts in 132 innings pitched, solidifying his status as a top performer in the league.
Despite the initial disappointment of the Toronto fans, Ohtani's remarkable skills and contributions to the game continue to captivate baseball enthusiasts worldwide.
