REPORT: Shohei Ohtani reportedly “intrigued” by possibility of playing for Atlanta Braves

The two-way player has prioritized playing for a contender and Atlanta’s set up to be competitive long-term

Shohei Ohtani’s free agency is going to dominate the headlines until he signs. How often does a (probable) two-time MVP that can both pitch and hit at the highest level come available in free agency?

And according to MLB Network insider Jon Morosi, Ohtani’s intrigued by the possibility of playing for the Atlanta Braves.

The big takeaway from the report is Morosi’s assertion that Ohtani is “less concerned about geography and more concerned about the quality of the team he is going to.”

And as Morosi notes in the video, no team is set up for consistent, sustained success than the Atlanta Braves. With seven of the eight position player spots signed through 2027 and Spencer Strider on top of the rotation, the Braves have long-term stability the likes that Ohtani’s never had in his career.

And looking at the roster fit, it’s easy to see how Ohtani can fit into the lineup and rotation going forward – he’s not pitching in 2024 as he recovers from Tommy John surgery, but Atlanta’s going to need arms in 2025 as Max Fried reaches free agency and Charlie Morton faces retirement.