This latest Shohei Ohtani report should make Chicago Cubs the favorites

The Chicago Cubs remain in the mix for superstar free agent Shohei Ohtani along with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays, and potentially a couple of other teams. The Winter Meetings with all the MLB brass are taking place this week in Nashville, Tennessee, making the rumors and internet activity run wild. An Athletic report from Ken Rosenthal (paid subscription) indicates the Blue Jays had a meeting with Ohtani at their spring training facilities down in Dunedin, Florida on Monday to potentially discuss a future deal.

You may remember in the lead-up to the frenzy to sign the most sought-after free agent in history, Ohtani made a point to say he wanted to work things out in secret. He mentioned any leaking of any meetings or details could potentially hurt the team’s chances of signing him.

Consider this leaked.

Toronto Blue Jays meeting with Ohtani on Monday leaked, repercussions imminent.

Look, I’m a journalist. I’m just reporting the things I see and hear. Jed Hoyer and the Cubs, as far as I’m concerned, are the most stealth organization I know. Just take a look at how they moved to acquire new manager Craig Counsell. Nobody saw that coming, not even Counsell.

The report mentions at least one more meeting has taken place between Ohtani and a team. I can absolutely (not) confirm that was with the Dodgers and/or Braves.

This is going to be a long-lasting battle that could go deep into December. We are in the fight of our lives. I am here to lead from the front and fight the good fight. Shohei needs a home that will stand strong with soldiers. Toronto is too nice. Los Angeles doesn’t care enough. Atlanta is… Atlanta.

Chicago is everything. We’re ready, Shohei. All we need is you. Join the fight, Cubs fans.