“Overpaid” free agent Shohei Ohtani would be worth it for the Toronto Blue Jays when you consider all the benefits such an acquisition would have, an associate professor of sports management in Canada believes.
“The attention, not only from the American media, but also from the international media, particularly Japanese, [serait] huge, said Mike Naraine of Brock University in Ontario. I call this the Ichiro effect. When you look at Ichiro’s acquisition [Suzuki] for the Seattle Mariners [en 2000], the team not only caught the attention of the Japanese media, but also sold many tickets to Japanese people, who were flying to see the games in Seattle. »
“But they also got a lot more Japanese sponsors. And American sponsors that have ties to Japan, like Nintendo or Nikon. »
Ohtani, who can pitch and hit, is expected to get a long-term contract that could be worth around $500 million.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are the favorites in this classic, but the Blue Jays would be among the small group of teams that are in the running.
“Having this type of franchise at this scale and already with a consumer base that would resonate with the demographics of the city could really increase the level of consumption,” said Cheri Bradish of Metropolitan University of Toronto.
“So with the increase in ticket sales, consumption and then derivative products, this can really have a significant effect on a team. »
The return on investment, even with a contract of this magnitude, would be “quite high” due to the international impact and other factors, said Naraine.
“I would pay even more than the Dodgers just because Ohtani can turn [une équipe] and that you can market Ohtani like no one has before,” he explained.
Ohtani spent the first six seasons of his major league baseball career with the Los Angeles Angels, but has yet to make the playoffs.
He had elbow surgery in August that will keep him from pitching until 2025, but should be ready to play designated hitter in the spring.
Ohtani hit 44 homers and drove in 95 runs in 135 games last season. On the mound, he was 10-5 with a 3.14 ERA in 23 starts.
The 29-year-old right-hander was unanimously named the American League’s Most Valuable Player.
“For me, it’s obvious,” said Naraine. When you can sign potentially the best player of all time and certainly the best player in the sport right now, you do it. »
The Blue Jays haven’t been shy about spending big money in recent years. They are among the top 10 teams with highest payrolls and have given nine-figure contracts to players like George Springer, Kevin Gausman and Jose Berrios.
“Fans would come in droves throughout the season to witness the changes at Rogers Center [récemment rénové] and see who became the most complete player in the game,” retired Blue Jays sportscaster Jerry Howarth said in an email.
The Blue Jays will begin their upcoming season on March 28 against the Tampa Bay Rays in St. Petersburg.
