Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins expressed regret that Ohtani turned down his team and signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Toronto — General Manager Toronto Blue Jayslamented Ross Atkins Shohei Ohtani After meeting with them, he rejected his team and decided to sign a $700 million, 10-year contract. Los Angeles Dodgers.
Atkins confirmed for the first time that Ohtani visited Toronto's spring training facility in Dunedin, Florida, but did not say whether the meeting took place on Dec. 4 when Atkins spoke to reporters via Zoom rather than in person at the winter meetings in Nashville. Tennessee. Ohtani announced his contract with the Dodgers five days later.
“We're very disappointed in the outcome and it was a very difficult phone call, one of the most difficult in my career,” Atkins said Wednesday. “At the same time, [fue un] I feel really good about the incredible process and the team effort and collaboration, not just because of the process, but what it means to be in that position for the company, for the city, and for Canada.
“I have no doubt that he was exceptionally impressed with this country, this city, this team. We felt incredible about the process, but we moved on.”
Ohdani also met them San Francisco GiantsWho said he was offered an offer comparable to what he agreed to with the Dodgers.
Atkins ruled out the Blue Jays being used to getting the best offer from a competing bidder.
“Absolutely not,” he said. “I definitely believe the opposite. We felt really good about the process. It was an incredible effort, from owners to businesses to baseball, people coming together. It wasn't the outcome we wanted, but we felt really good about the process and we feel like it absolutely was.” ” Real and authentic.”
Missing Ohtani, Blue Jays bring back Gold Glove outfielder Kevin Kiermaier A one-year, $10.5 million contract and added Isiah Kiner-Falefa With a two-year, $15 million contract.
Atkins said he could add the outfield and designated hitter positions before spring training.
“We have a good team and we're exceptionally excited,” Atkins said. “We could be open to a trade. We're not actively seeking a trade away from our major league team.”
Toronto went 89-73 last season and earned a wild-card berth in the American League for its third playoff appearance in four seasons, but was swept for the third time by scoring one run in two losses at Minnesota.
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