The Blue Jays are “very disappointed” that Ohtani chose the Dodgers, manager says

Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins expressed regret that Ohtani rejected his team and signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

TORONTO – General Manager of Toronto Blue JaysRoss Atkins expressed his regret Shohei Otani His team declined after meeting with them and decided to sign a record 10-year, $700 million contract with Los Angeles Dodgers.

Atkins confirmed for the first time that Ohtani visited Toronto's spring training facility in Dunedin, Fla., but did not say whether the meeting took place on Dec. 4, when Atkins spoke to reporters at the winter meetings via Zoom rather than in person in Nashville. Tennessee. Ohtani announced his deal with the Dodgers five days later.

“Obviously we were very disappointed with the result, and it was a very difficult phone call to take, one of the toughest calls of my career,” Atkins said on Wednesday. “At the same time, [fue un] An amazing process, a team effort and a collaboration that I feel good about, not just because of the process but what it means to be in this position for the organization, for the city, for Canada.

“I have no doubt that he was exceptionally drawn to this country, this city, and this team. We were overwhelmed by the process, but we moved forward.”

Ohtani also met with San Francisco Giantswho said they made him an offer similar to the one he agreed to with the Dodgers.

Atkins ruled out using the Blue Jays to get a better offer from a competing bidder.

“Not at all,” he said. “I'm a big believer in the opposite. We felt good about the process. It's been an incredible effort, from the owners to the businesses to the baseball, people coming together. It wasn't the outcome we wanted, but we felt good about the process and we certainly feel like this is it.” adverb.” “Authentic and real.”

Since losing Ohtani, the Blue Jays bring back the Gold Glove outfielder Kevin Kirmayer On a one-year, $10.5 million contract, he was added Isiah Keener-Faleeva A two-year contract worth $15 million.

Atkins said the infield and designated hitter positions are ones he will likely add before spring training.

“We have a very good team that we are exceptionally excited about,” Atkins said. “We could be open to a trade. We are not actively seeking a trade away from our major league team.”

Toronto won 89-73 last season and clinched a berth in the American League for the third time in four seasons, but was swept for the third straight time, recording two losses at Minnesota.