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3 reasons the Atlanta Braves could actually sign baseball's most sought-after player

Shohei Ohtani is reportedly “intrigued” by the Atlanta Braves but is the feeling mutual?

By Austin Owens |
Oakland Athletics v Los Angeles Angels
Oakland Athletics v Los Angeles Angels / Ronald Martinez/GettyImages
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A couple of days ago, the shocking news broke that Shohei Ohtani is “intrigued” by the idea of joining the Atlanta Braves. Is the feeling mutual? What will it take for the Braves to land the superstar? Let’s take a look at three reasons why this could actually happen. 

1. Improvement at DH

Marcell Ozuna got off to a slow start in 2023 but he ended strong. He finished with a .274 batting average with 40 home runs and 100 runs batted in. He will make $16 million in 2024 in the final year of his 4-year contract with the Braves. However, Ozuna has a club option for the 2025 season. 

With his days in a Braves jersey potentially numbered and given his recent performance, Ozuna could be a prime trade candidate to acquire starting pitching. If this happens, this opens the DH spot for Shohei Ohtani. 

Shohei isn't expected to pitch in 2024 which would make him a prime candidate to be the designated hitter for Atlanta if they choose to go that route. The prospect of Ohtani pitching in the future is just an added bonus to consider.

The Japanese phenom finished the 2024 season with a .304 batting average, 44 home runs, and 95 runs batted in. Even after missing games down the stretch of the regular season, Ohtani is still likely to be named American League MVP. Signing Ohtani would create multiple opportunities for the Braves to improve.

Los Angeles Angels v Oakland Athletics
Los Angeles Angels v Oakland Athletics / Ezra Shaw/GettyImages

2. Ohtani could help the rotation eventually

Unfortunately for Major League Baseball, Shohei Ohtani will be limited to only hitting next season. Due to injury, he will not be able to pitch again until the 2025 season. However, he has proven that he has the ability to recover from injury and remain super effective as a pitcher. 

One of the Atlanta Braves' weakest points as of today is starting pitching. They could be looking to improve their rotation by adding someone like Aaron Nola or Sonny Gray next season and if they decide to pursue Ohtani, have him on the mound in 2025.

Could you imagine the following starting rotation: Max Fried, Aaron Nola, Spencer Strider, and Shohei Ohtani. Any other pitcher in the league could be added to the fifth spot and they would hands down be the best rotation in the MLB.

That prospect also hinges on if the Atlanta Braves are able to bring Max Fried back in 2025 as he will be a free agent after the 2024 season. It is possible that adding Ohtani could spell the end of Fried's time in Atlanta if they acquire the talented two-way player.

Los Angeles Angels v Philadelphia Phillies
Los Angeles Angels v Philadelphia Phillies / Tim Nwachukwu/GettyImages

3. Braves looking to increase payroll and this will do it

Shohei Ohtani is undoubtedly looking for a massive contract. It is unlikely that his injury and inability to pitch next season has lowered his asking price too much, but you never know. Ohtani obviously put up ridiculous numbers at the plate a season ago, leading the American League in home runs. This alone could keep his asking price in the $300-500 million range for a long-term deal.

If there is one GM in all of baseball who could sign a player like this for a little bit cheaper, it’s Alex Anthopoulos. Atlanta has almost all the pieces they need to compete for a World Series title for several years to come. Ohtani could just be the piece the Braves need to complete the puzzle. 

Word is that Ohtani wants to play for a team that is built to win. Los Angeles isn't close to winning a World Series so it makes sense that a team like Atlanta has his attention. The Braves are set to compete for the next five years at least.

Ohtani has been stuck with the Angels where he consistently misses the playoffs. Atlanta could be the place where he feels like he is most likely to succeed. If winning is more important to Ohtani than the money is, AA could talk him into a short-term deal as opposed to the 10+ year contract he is most likely seeking. 

The Atlanta Braves are still not expected to win the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes but their name may be mentioned more than most thought during the off-season. 

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