Bombshell Shohei Ohtani rumor from Dodgers reporter sends MLB into frenzy

If true, Dave Roberts may have to pack his bags and start seeking new employment. Because the LA Dodgers manager revealing he had met with Shohei Ohtani could have very well torpedoed this entire thing.

According to JP Hoornstra of Dodgers Nation, Ohtani has chosen the Toronto Blue Jays as his next destination. However, his report has been refuted by multiple insiders that have claimed no decision has been made (though the Jays are indeed a finalist).

Earlier on Friday, conspiracy theories tied to a private plane ran rampant, suggesting Ohtani might be choosing Toronto. MLB insider Jon Morosi, who reported Ohtani could make a decision by today, also tweeted an emoji of the Canadian flag randomly.

Just like Ohtani wanted it, eh? Confusion, uncertainly, chaos, scrambling. Much like the Juan Soto trade between the San Diego Padres and New York Yankees dragging on, it seems Ohtani's free agency will play out similarly.

For the moment, Dodgers fans certainly aren't feeling good, especially since this report came from a team insider.

Bombshell Shohei Ohtani rumor from Dodgers reporter sends MLB into frenzy

This isn't helping Andrew Friedman, either, who's been under scrutiny the last few offseasons for his decision making on both the trade and free agency front. The Dodgers have seemingly spent years preparing for this moment and flushed a couple of seasons down the toilet as a result. And it could be all for nothing.

But again, this is still developing. The Dodgers have as good a chance as anyone, including the Jays, though it is concerning Toronto managed to burst onto the scene as a legitimate landing spot rather quickly.

The Dodgers, according to various insiders and analysts, were the perceived frontrunner for quite some time. Few went as far to say that their chances still didn't eclipse the 50/50 mark and that the field was a safer bet.

At the very least, if the Dodgers have any indication of Ohtani picking another team, they can start focusing their attention on Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Ohtani reportedly met with the Dodgers a week ago, so it's very possible they got a read from his tour of Dodger Stadium.

For now, though, we'll sift through the plane trackers, conspiracy theories, premature reports, and whatever else comes our way.

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