Report: Oracle Park could deter Ohtani from signing with Giants
Nov 17, 2023, 9:37 AM
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
While several reports have indicated that the San Francisco Giants plan on offering superstar free agent Shohei Ohtani a lucrative contract in free agency, the two-time MVP could look to play elsewhere for reasons other than money.
According to MLB Network’s Jon Heyman, the dimensions of Oracle Park could hinder San Francisco’s pursuit of the two-way star.
Oracle Park is known for its breathtaking views of San Francisco Bay but has been a longstanding problem for power hitters. The Giants’ home stadium ranked 27th in home runs during the 2023 season after finishing 29th in 2022.
The Giants should be a big player for two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani. But some who know Ohtani see a possible hurdle for the Giants:
Their ballpark.
While Oracle Park is one of the most beautiful, it’s unfriendly to lefty power hitters. Some believe Ohtani isn’t in it for the money but to show he’s the best (aside: I think he’s already done that). So ballparks may be a factor.
MLB Network & The New York Post’s Jon Heyman – Nov. 16, 2023
More Friday MLB notes: Is Oracle Park a hurdle in Giants’ Ohtani pursuit? 3 hitters SF is eying, 2 teams in on Chapmanhttps://t.co/LygVWGt1jG
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 17, 2023
As has been the case for years now, San Francisco will be in the market for a big bat as they look to add a power threat to a lineup that hasn’t seen a 30+ home run hitter in 20 years (Barry Bonds, 2004).
While Oracle Park’s unideal dimensions for power hitters could deter Ohtani the hitter, it could play in Ohtani the pitcher’s favor as the two-way star works his way back from a torn UCL.
Giants’ pitchers have long benefited from the fact that Oracle is a “pitcher’s park,” and if Ohtani is up for the challenge of launching balls into McCovey Cove, he could benefit when he is able to take the mound again in 2025.
Some believe that the 29-year-old could sign his mega-deal during or before the Winter Meetings that are set to take place December 4-6, meaning that we could be a mere two weeks away from a resolution to Ohtani’s free agency frenzy.
More on the Giants pursuit of Shohei Ohtani
SF Giants Free Agency Rumors: Shohei Ohtani & Cody Bellinger
MLB Offseason Schedule
- November 6th – MLB free agency begins
- November 17th – Non-tender deadline
- December 4-6th – MLB Winter Meetings
- December 6th – Rule 5 Draft
- Mid-February – Spring Training begins
SF Giants Schedule
- February 13-15th – Pitchers and catchers report for Spring Training workouts
- February TBD – Full squad workouts
- Saturday, February 24th – Spring Training opener vs. Chicago Cubs
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