As the Giants continue to wait out a decision from Miami Marlins superstar Giancarlo Stanton, the team’s offseason plans took another hit on Friday morning.
The team’s pursuit of two-way Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani came up short, as multiple reports confirmed that the 23-year-old pitcher and outfielder has agreed to sign with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
Shohei Ohtani has agreed to sign with the Los Angeles Angels.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 8, 2017
Ohtani met with the Giants on Monday and general manager Bobby Evans felt the team’s sales pitch went well, but ultimately, Ohtani determined that signing with an American League team made the most sense, likely because he would be able to receive more at-bats as a designated hitter.
Evans said that the Giants had crafted a detailed plan for Ohtani to pitch and play in the outfield for San Francisco, as the team’s scouts had observed him as the best pitching and best hitting prospect in Japan. However, that plan will not come to fruition, as Ohtani instead chose to play for a different West Coast franchise.