The Baltimore Orioles have not yet expressed interest in Shohei Ohtani beyond possible internal conversations. But should they change course, the O's can certainly afford him.
As Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic noted in his Wednesday notes column, the O's have been floated as a Shohei Ohtani suitor not because they explicitly have expressed interest, but because the fit does make some sense. Baltimore is just one game back of the Tampa Bay Rays for the AL East, and they have the necessary prospect capital to offer an intriguing package to the Angels.
Rosenthal did give himself an out, though, saying this would be a major step for a front office that doesn't tend to spend nearly as much as it would take to sign Ohtani long term. It should be noted that FanSided's Robert Murray shot down Ohtani to the O's just last night, while also saying the fit makes a lot of sense.
"The industry expectation is that Ohtani is going nowhere. The belief seems to be that Angels will hold onto Ohtani, as Angels owner Arte Moreno does not want to be the team owner responsible for moving Ohtani.
The thought of Ohtani, perhaps the best player in baseball history, ending up in Baltimore on a young, exciting Orioles roster is what dreams are made of. But that's essentially what it is. A dream. Because it isn't happening this trade deadline," Murray wrote.
What are the odds Shohei Ohtani is traded to the Orioles?
However, Rosenthal linking the O's to Ohtani just days after Jon Morosi did the same is something worth noting. Rosenthal even went as far as to suggest certain prospects the Orioles could trade:
"A package for Ohtani could include one of first baseman Ryan Mountcastle, outfielder Colton Cowser (No. 13 in the BA rankings), third baseman Coby Mayo (No. 32) or outfielder Heston Kjerstad (No. 66), plus one of a middle-infield group that includes Jordan Westburg (No. 46), Joey Ortiz (No. 77) or César Prieto. Catcher Samuel Basallo (No. 59) could be in play. So could a pitching prospect such as lefty Cade Povich or righty Seth Johnson, the latter of whom is recovering from Tommy John surgery."
That would be a lot to give up for one player, especially if the Orioles don't feel confident in their ability to extend Ohtani this offseason. As fun as it would be to see, Shohei to the Charm City is a pipe dream for now.
