Near Miss: Padres Almost Landed Shohei Ohtani in 2022 Blockbuster Deal
San Diego, CA – In a revelation that has sent shockwaves through Major League Baseball, it has emerged that the San Diego Padres were strikingly close to acquiring the phenomenal Shohei Ohtani at the 2022 MLB trade deadline. General Manager A.J. Preller spearheaded discussions that nearly brought the two-way superstar to San Diego.
The 2022 Trade deadline Saga
At the 2022 deadline, while the Padres were finalizing the acquisition of outfielder Juan Soto, parallel discussions were underway involving Ohtani. The potential acquisition of Shohei Ohtani would have altered the trajectory of the franchise.
Preller stated, “It was a super unique time. I think, again, it’s a testament to our organization that we at least had the ability to have those conversations… It was a lot of fun to be able to have those conversations about which player you would rather have – you know, three years of Soto, two years of Ohtani, and then also the guys in our system that we knew were going to go on to be great players.”
did You Know? Shohei Ohtani is only the second player in MLB history, since Babe Ruth, to regularly pitch and hit at an elite level.
The Trade Package: What San Diego Offered
The Padres were reportedly prepared to offer a substantial package centered around top prospects. Key names included James Wood, MacKenzie Gore, and C.J. Abrams.
These prospects, ultimately part of the Juan Soto trade, would have been the core of the offer for Shohei Ohtani. The Los Angeles Angels were seriously considering the proposal before a last-minute decision by owner Arte Moreno.
A Deal interrupted
The Padres were among the teams actively negotiating with the Angels for Ohtani’s services. Had Angels owner Arte moreno not intervened,Ohtani might have been wearing a Padres uniform. A change in ownership might have changed the outcome, but it’s unachievable to know.
At the time, most analysts believed that San Diego possessed the most compelling trade package. A deal would have changed the landscape of baseball.
What Could Have Been: The Ripple Effect
If Ohtani had landed in San Diego, the Padres’ performance in the 2022 postseason might have been significantly different. The acquisition could have also influenced Ohtani’s long-term decision to join the Los Angeles Dodgers, opening a different trajectory.
San Diego’s ability to attract other Japanese stars such as Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki could have increased if Ohtani was already on the team.His presence might have been a magnet for international talent.
The Unfolding Aftermath
The near acquisition of Ohtani underscores the Padres’ ambition. It highlights their willingness to pursue top-tier talent aggressively.
The Soto trade and the near-miss with Ohtani illustrate a pivotal moment for the Padres. The moves reflect a bold strategy to compete at the highest level. The Padres had a vision, and they were ready to act on it.
MLB Superstars: A Comparative Glance
| Player | Team (2022) | key Attributes | Potential Padres Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Juan Soto | Washington Nationals | Elite Hitting, Power | Strengthened Lineup |
| Shohei Ohtani | Los Angeles Angels | Two-Way Star (Pitching & Hitting) | Revolutionized team Dynamics |
| James Wood | padres (Prospect) | High-ceiling Outfielder | Future Potential |
frequently Asked Questions About The Padres and Shohei Ohtani
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What prospects did the Padres offer for Shohei Ohtani?
The San Diego Padres were prepared to offer a package including James Wood, MacKenzie Gore, and C.J. Abrams for Shohei Ohtani.
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Why didn’t Shohei Ohtani end up with the Padres?
Ultimately, the deal fell through because Los Angeles Angels owner Arte Moreno decided to take Shohei Ohtani off the trade block.
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What was the Padres’ general manager’s reaction to almost landing Ohtani?
General Manager A.J. Preller acknowledged it was a unique time and a testament to the organization’s ability to engage in such high-level conversations.
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How could the Padres’ season have changed with Shohei Ohtani?
The Padres’ potential success in the 2022 postseason, and Shohei Ohtani’s long-term future, could have been dramatically different.
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Were the Padres close to acquiring other Japanese stars?
Had the Padres landed Shohei ohtani, they might have had more influence in attracting Japanese stars like Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki.
What are your thoughts on the Padres possibly landing ohtani? How would it have changed baseball history? Share your comments below!
