Chicago Cubs Rumors: Shohei Ohtani to land $600MM deal

The Chicago Cubs are among a handful of teams that are finalists and remain in the hunt to land MLB free agent Shohei Ohtani in anticipation of one of the most historic signings of all time.

Before Ohtani got hurt and had surgery that will most likely have him limited to DH duties in the 2024 season, the number of years and compensation being projected for his contract were just obscene. But even now, understanding the limitations he’ll have on the front end, the numbers are just as large, if not, bigger.

The latest indications are that Shohei Ohtani may earn $600MM with his next MLB contract.

The number of years is still a big question mark, but the NY Post is reporting that there is speculation of him becoming MLB’s first $600 million man. This would completely skip the $500 million that would have taken the top spot over former teammate Mike Trout’s deal that’s worth almost $427 million.

The big question for Chicago Cubs fans is if this is the kind of money Tom Ricketts, Jed Hoyer, and the North Side brass want to spend on one singular player. Even with just how good Ohtani is and the amount of attention he brings to a team (money in the Cubs’ pockets, honestly), there is still a great unknown of what he will be after he heels from his surgery.

Will he go back to a starting pitcher role? Will he transform into a dominant bullpen arm or even closer? Will he transition to a power-hitting first baseman? Unlikely. But who knows for sure?

To find out, you’re going to have to pay up big time.