Every MLB team dreams of adding superstar Shohei Ohtani this offseason.

A handful of teams are rumored to have a real shot at landing Shohei Ohtani in free agency, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, Atlanta Braves, Toronto Blue Jays, and New York Yankees. But Ohtani reportedly said that he couldn't see himself playing in New York, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post:

“It isn’t known what other teams Ohtani may have singled out for preference, but the clubhouse source added that Ohtani specifically said he couldn’t see himself playing in New York, which is also what he told the Yankees six years ago before signing with the Angels. (Shohei Ohtani’s handlers say no such sentiment was expressed to the Yankees or Mets during the process this time.)”

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While it remains to be seen whether or not that's true, it might make sense that Yankees and Mets were never in serious contention to land  Ohtani. Both teams are reportedly interested in fellow Japanese star Yoshinobu Yamamato, the right-handed pitcher who’s desired by every big-market team.

The Dodgers have been the favorites to land Ohtani for some time. The team cleared salary this offseason, and manager Dave Roberts on Tuesday said that the team had met with Ohtani at the stadium.

Shohei Ohtani hit .304 with 44 home runs and 95 RBI on his way to winning the AL MVP last season and posted a 10-5 record with a 3.14 ERA as a two-way sensation. He underwent elbow surgery and could be forced to pitch less in 2024 and beyond, although that will be determined by his next team.