Minnesota Twins part ways with one of their top prospects, Jelfry Marte. Could the reason be that they are in pursuit of International sensation Shohei Ohtani?
The Minnesota Twins have a bit more wiggle room when it comes to signing International players, after releasing highly acclaimed prospect Jelfry Marte.
A possible reason for that transaction could be that the Minnesota Twins are wanting to make room for Japanese sensation Shohei Ohtani.
After dumping the contract of Marte, the Minnesota Twins had $6,000,000 to use in the sweepstakes of Otani. Or so we thought.
Reports surfaced that the Minnesota Twins have less than expected in International spending money:
To try to clear up any confusion. The AP reported last week the Twins had $3.2 million to spend internationally. The Marte voided deal was $3 million of that $3.2 million they have available, but the Marte voiding wasn't known publicly til @BenBadler reported it today.
— JJ Cooper (@jjcoop36) November 15, 2017
Nevertheless, the Minnesota Twins will still be one of the favorites to land the talented youngster. Take a look at the spending money that the Minnesota Twins are competing with, in attempts to lure Ohtani to the Twin Cities.
- Texas Rangers: $3,535,000
- New York Yankees: $3,250,000
- Minnesota Twins: $3,245,000
- Pittsburgh Pirates $2,266,750
- Miami Marlins $1,740,000
- Seattle Mariners: $1,570,500
The next best in pursuit of Otani:
- Philadelphia Phillies: $900,000
- Milwaukee Brewers: $765,000
- Arizona Diamondbacks:$731,250
- Baltimore Orioles: $660,000
- Boston Red Sox: $462,000
- Tampa Bay Rays: $440,500
As you can see, the bidding for Ohtani is going to be an interesting one, to say the least. The Twins do have a good shot at landing the 20-year-old phenom but do have to compete with the likes of the heavyweight New York Yankees and popular Texas Rangers.
For those of you who have been living under a rock and are late to the party, you might be wondering who Shohei Ohtani is? More of you might be contemplating the same about Jelfry Marte.