Artificial Intelligence Predicts Where Ohtani Goes
It Is Most Definitely WRONG
Continuing with our Chat GPT predictions blogs, I decided to see where it thinks Ohtani will sign. For reference I installed plug ins that allows the AI to pull articles form online. Ironically, it did pull our article about Ohtani going to Boston. Nice to know I got big enough that the future destroyer of humanity noticed me.
To put a twist on this I also had BING AI wrote a blog as well. I would have used GROK AI, but I am still on the waiting list. Both gave terrible answers as neither even acknowledge the Boston Red Sox. However, it is still comical to read, so take a look.
Chat GPT
Predicting the specific team Shohei Ohtani will sign with involves considering various factors such as team needs, financial capabilities, Ohtani's preferences, and market trends. Based on the current landscape of Major League Baseball and the unique aspects of Ohtani's situation, here's my prediction:
Predicted Team: Los Angeles Dodgers
Financial Capability: The Dodgers have consistently shown they are willing to spend big to acquire top talent. Their financial resources make them a viable candidate to afford Ohtani's likely substantial contract demands.
Team Needs and Fit: The Dodgers are known for their strategic roster construction and have a history of valuing versatile players. Ohtani's dual role as a pitcher and hitter fits perfectly with the Dodgers' innovative approach to the game.
Market Appeal: Los Angeles is a major market with a substantial Japanese community, which could be appealing to Ohtani both from a personal and marketing perspective. The Dodgers' brand and market reach would offer him significant endorsement opportunities.
Competitive Environment: The Dodgers are consistently in contention for the World Series, which might be attractive to Ohtani, who is likely seeking to be on a competitive team with a real shot at championships.
Organizational Culture and Philosophy: The Dodgers have a reputation for a strong organizational culture and a forward-thinking approach to baseball analytics and player development. This environment could be appealing to a player like Ohtani, who embodies a modern, multi-faceted approach to the game.
Predicted Contract Structure:
Length and Value: A long-term contract, possibly in the range of 8-10 years, with a total value that could be upwards of $300 million, reflecting his unique value as a two-way player.
Incentives and Clauses: The contract might include performance incentives, particularly related to his achievements both as a pitcher and a hitter. Opt-out clauses could also be a part of the contract, offering flexibility for both Ohtani and the team.
This prediction is based on the current MLB landscape, team needs, financial capabilities, and Ohtani's unique position in the sport. However, the nature of free agency, especially with a player as unique as Ohtani, means there are always uncertainties and potential surprises.
BING AI
Where will Shohei Ohtani land this winter?
Shohei Ohtani is the most coveted free agent in baseball history. The two-way superstar, who is expected to win his second AL MVP award on Thursday night, can do it all: hit, pitch, run, and field. He is also a global icon who can generate millions of dollars in sponsorship and merchandise revenue for any team that signs him.
But where will Ohtani end up this winter? That is the question that every baseball fan and executive is asking. Ohtani and his agent, Nez Balelo, have been very secretive about their plans and preferences, and have reportedly warned teams that leaking any information about their meetings could hurt their chances of landing the Japanese phenom1.
Ohtani has made it clear that he wants to play for a contender, and that he wants to continue being a two-way player. He also has the option of accepting the Angels’ qualifying offer of $20.325 million for one year, and then hitting the market again next year. However, that seems unlikely, given his immense value and the risk of injury or decline.
So, which teams have the best chance of signing Ohtani this offseason? Here are some of the top contenders, ranked from least to most likely:
5. New York Yankees
The Yankees are always in the mix for any big-name free agent, and Ohtani is no exception. The Bronx Bombers have the money, the market, and the history to lure Ohtani to the Big Apple. They also have a need for both a frontline starter and a middle-of-the-order bat, which Ohtani can provide. However, there are some drawbacks to signing with the Yankees. First, Ohtani would have to deal with the intense media scrutiny and pressure that comes with playing in New York. Second, he would have to share the spotlight with other stars like Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Gerrit Cole. Third, he would have to play in the same division as the defending champion Boston Red Sox, who have a formidable lineup and rotation. Fourth, he would have to adjust to playing in a hitter-friendly ballpark, which could affect his pitching numbers. Fifth, he would have to shave his beard, which is against the Yankees’ policy. All these factors could make Ohtani think twice before donning the pinstripes.
4. Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers are another powerhouse team that can offer Ohtani a lot of incentives. They have won nine straight NL West titles, and have reached the World Series three times in the last five years, winning it once. They have a deep and talented roster, a savvy front office, and a passionate fan base. They also have the advantage of being in the same city as the Angels, which means Ohtani would not have to relocate or change his lifestyle. However, the Dodgers also have some drawbacks. First, they already have a crowded outfield, with Mookie Betts, Cody Bellinger, AJ Pollock, and Chris Taylor. Ohtani would have to compete for playing time, or accept a reduced role as a DH in interleague games. Second, they already have a stacked rotation, with Walker Buehler, Max Scherzer, Clayton Kershaw, Julio Urias, and David Price. Ohtani would have to fit into a six-man rotation, or pitch less frequently than he prefers. Third, they already have a huge payroll, which could limit their flexibility to sign other players or extend their own stars. Fourth, they have to contend with the San Francisco Giants, who had the best record in baseball last year, and the San Diego Padres, who have a young and talented core. The Dodgers are a great team, but they may not be the best fit for Ohtani.
3. Texas Rangers
The Rangers are a surprise contender for Ohtani, but they have some factors in their favor. First, they have a lot of money to spend, and are willing to break the bank for Ohtani. They have already signed Marcus Semien to a seven-year, $175 million deal, and are reportedly ready to offer Ohtani a 10-year, $500 million contract, which would be the largest in MLB history2. Second, they have a strong connection to Ohtani, who played with their manager, Chris Woodward, in Japan. Woodward was Ohtani’s infield coach with the Nippon Ham Fighters, and has a good relationship with him. Third, they have a new ballpark, Globe Life Field, which is spacious and pitcher-friendly. Ohtani would enjoy playing in a state-of-the-art facility, and would benefit from the favorable dimensions. Fourth, they have a young and promising team, with players like Adolis Garcia, Nate Lowe, and Leody Taveras. Ohtani could be the leader and mentor of this group, and help them grow into contenders. The Rangers are a dark horse, but they have a lot to offer Ohtani.
2. New York Mets
The Mets are another team that can make a strong case for Ohtani. First, they have a new owner, Steve Cohen, who is willing to spend big to win. Cohen has already hired Billy Eppler, Ohtani’s former GM with the Angels, as the Mets’ new president of baseball operations. Eppler was instrumental in signing Ohtani in 2017, and has a close bond with him. Second, they have a need for both a starter and a hitter, as they lost Noah Syndergaard and Michael Conforto to free agency. Ohtani would fill both holes, and form a dynamic duo with Jacob deGrom at the top of the rotation, and with Pete Alonso in the middle of the lineup. Third, they have a chance to win the NL East, which is a weak division compared to the AL East or the NL West. The Mets finished third last year, but they were only seven games behind the Atlanta Braves, who won the World Series. With Ohtani, the Mets could challenge the Braves for the division title, and make a deep playoff run. Fourth, they have a large and loyal fan base, who would embrace Ohtani as a superstar. Ohtani would also benefit from the exposure and endorsement opportunities that come with playing in New York. The Mets are a serious contender for Ohtani, and could make him an offer he can’t refuse.
1. Los Angeles Angels
The Angels are still the favorites to retain Ohtani, for several reasons. First, they have the exclusive right to negotiate with him until Dec. 1, when the collective bargaining agreement expires. This gives them a head start over other teams, and a chance to convince Ohtani to stay. Second, they have the best player in the world, Mike Trout, who is Ohtani’s teammate and friend. Trout and Ohtani have a great chemistry, and have expressed their mutual admiration and respect. Trout has also said that he wants to win with Ohtani, and that he will do whatever it takes to keep him. Third, they have a new manager, Joe Maddon, who is known for his creativity and flexibility. Maddon has given Ohtani the freedom and support to be a two-way player, and has praised his work ethic and talent. Maddon has also said that he wants Ohtani back, and that he will do everything in his power to make it happen. Fourth, they have a loyal and supportive fan base, who have embraced Ohtani as one of their own. Ohtani has said that he loves playing in Anaheim, and that he appreciates the fans’ passion and kindness. The Angels have a lot of factors in their favor, and they have the best chance of keeping Ohtani in their uniform.