The Toronto Blue Jays are said to be among the final contenders vying to secure the services of baseball sensation Shohei Ohtani. According to insiders, an estimated $500-$600 million will be required to bring the Japanese phenom on board.

There are many baseball pundits out there who believe Toronto doesn’t just have a chance of signing the phenom, but are actually leading the Ohtani race.

As a result, baseball fans across Canada and beyond are watching social media updates in a frenzy that has been compared to the free agency of NBA star Kawhi Leonard.  Remember the helicopter? Toronto sports fans are hoping for a much different result.

Signing Ohtani would make the Blue Jays one of the immediate World Series favourites for next season.

Want to know what all the fuss is about? Here is a quick look at the remarkable and still young career of Shohei Ohtani.

1. Two-Way Player: Ohtani is a rare two-way player, excelling as both a pitcher and a designated hitter. This dual role is uncommon in modern baseball and showcases his extraordinary talent.
2. Japanese Career: Before joining Major League Baseball (MLB), Ohtani played for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league, where he gained recognition for his pitching and hitting abilities.
3. MLB Debut with Los Angeles Angels: Ohtani signed with the Los Angeles Angels on Dec. 8, 2017. He won his MLB pitching debut with the Los Angeles Angels in 2018 striking out six batters over six innings. He was signed as both a pitcher and a designated hitter, a testament to the team’s belief in his multifaceted skills.
4. First Home Run: In Octane’s first at-bat in his home stadium, he hit his first MLB home run on April 3, 2018.
5. Rookie of the Year: In his debut MLB season, Ohtani was named the American League (AL) Rookie of the Year in 2018. His impressive performances on the mound and at the plate contributed to this accolade.
6. Injury Challenges: Ohtani faced injury challenges early in his MLB career, including Tommy John surgery in 2018 that limited his pitching in subsequent seasons. Despite these setbacks, he continued to make a significant impact and became the first Japanese player to hit for the cycle in 2019.
7. All-Star Performances: Ohtani became a two-time MLB All-Star, showcasing his popularity among fans and recognition of his exceptional skills by fellow players and coaches. In 2021, Ohtani became the first player ever elected to the All-Star game as both a pitcher and a hitter. He did it again in 2022.
8. Home Run Derby Champion: In 2021, Ohtani participated in the MLB Home Run Derby during the All-Star festivities and emerged as the champion, further emphasizing his power-hitting abilities.
9. Triple-Digit Pitcher: Ohtani is known for his impressive pitching velocity, often reaching triple-digit speeds on his fastball. His diverse pitch repertoire makes him a formidable opponent on the mound.
10. MVP: Following his epic 2021 season, Ohtani wins his first AL MVP in a unanimous vote. He won again in 2023 while hitting 44 home runs and winning 10 games as a starting pitcher.
11. Cultural Icon: Ohtani’s success has transcended sports, making him a cultural icon in both Japan and the United States. He has drawn fans from around the world and has had a significant impact on the global perception of baseball.