UPDATE: As the 2025 World Series kicks off tonight in Toronto, a fascinating alternate reality looms over fans: what if Shohei Ohtani had signed with the Toronto Blue Jays instead of the Los Angeles Dodgers? This scenario has become a hot topic as the two teams prepare for their first showdown in the Fall Classic.
In a dramatic twist of fate, Ohtani, who has dazzled fans in his Dodgers uniform over the past two seasons, could have instead been toeing the rubber for the Blue Jays. On December 8, 2023, social media lit up with rumors that Ohtani was on a private jet headed to Toronto to finalize a deal. But in a twist worthy of a baseball thriller, it was not Ohtani on that flight, but a celebrity. Ohtani ultimately chose the Dodgers, declaring on Instagram that he would join the team.
The implications of Ohtani’s decision resonate today as the Dodgers face the Blue Jays in the World Series. What would have transpired had Ohtani donned the Blue Jays’ colors? The questions are endless: how would Toronto’s roster have changed, and how would the Dodgers have adjusted to losing baseball’s two-way superstar?
Roki Sasaki, another sensation, adds another layer to this narrative. The young pitcher, a coveted free agent, also had Toronto in his sights but eventually chose the Dodgers. His decision has transformed L.A.’s postseason prospects, yet the Blue Jays missed out once again.
The speculation about Ohtani’s potential impact on the Blue Jays is palpable. Had he signed with Toronto, would they have secured a better postseason position? Early simulations suggest the Blue Jays could have posted a significantly improved record, possibly elevating them from their disappointing 2024 season.
In fact, recent projections indicate that the Blue Jays, with Ohtani in their lineup, could have boasted an impressive team rating of 97.8. Comparatively, the Dodgers, if they had lost Ohtani, would have seen a notable decrease in their performance, potentially limiting their playoff success to just 73% in simulations without him.
As the World Series unfolds, fans and analysts alike are captivated by the “what ifs.” Would Ohtani’s hitting and pitching prowess have propelled the Blue Jays to a championship? Would the Dodgers have made significant roster changes? The intrigue continues to build as the games progress.
In the coming days, all eyes will be on the field as these two teams battle for the title. The stakes are high and the drama is palpable. Fans are left to ponder: how different could history have been if Ohtani had chosen the Blue Jays? The unfolding series promises to deliver excitement, not just for the teams involved, but for every baseball fan invested in this historic matchup.
Stay tuned for updates as the World Series continues and more revelations emerge about the alternate realities of Ohtani’s career decisions. This is a story that’s just beginning to unfold, and the excitement is only growing.
