Latest Ohtani Rumours: Shohei has a 'positive feeling' about Blue Jays

Even before potentially visiting the Toronto Blue Jays player development complex in Dunedin, Fla., Shohei Ohtani was reportedly reciprocating some of the interest the team had shown in signing the Japanese superstar.

The New York Post's Jon Heyman reported Tuesday morning that Ohtani has "a positive feeling about Toronto."

Heyman added that Ohtani did share that sentiment about other teams, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, but said to not "discount the Jays."

This added to Heyman's post from earlier in the day, saying Toronto "should be presumed to be not a long shot but a serious player for Ohtani."

USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported Tuesday that the "Chicago Cubs' optimism of landing Ohtani has now significantly wanted," according to one high-ranking executive. He added that likely leaves the Blue Jays, Dodgers, San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Angels as the four finalists.

The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal wrote late Monday night about the 29-year-old visiting Toronto's complex, seemingly indicating that Ohtani is making the rounds with teams still competing for his services. Rosenthal reported that Ohtani "has met with more than one club," adding that the Dodgers and Cubs are two of the teams still in the bidding.

As Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith wrote Monday, the Blue Jays' $80 million renovation of their training complex, which opened in 2021, is "expected to be a big part of any pitch the Blue Jays make to elite free agents like Ohtani."

While it may appear that the Ohtani sweepstakes should be coming to a close in the coming days, baseball fans may have to wait a little longer to find out where he lands, Heyman said Monday.

Heyman said that he spoke to a general manager of a team that is interested in Ohtani and got the impression that they expect to meet with Ohtani's camp after the Winter Meetings wrap up on Wednesday.