Miami Marlins Remove Themselves from Shohei Otani Hunt
By David Hill
The Miami Marlins are bowing out of the Shohei Otani Sweepstakes, citing financial concerns as to why they will not pursue the Japanese phenom.
In theory, the Miami Marlins could be regarded as a favorable landing spot for Shohei Otani. As one of the seven teams that could offer Otani a signing bonus of $1 Million or more, they could be considered a realistic destination. And, if the Marlins do end up trading Giancarlo Stanton, a spot in right field could be open for the two way star.
However, the dream of seeing Otani in a Marlins uniform will not happen. According to sources, the Marlins are removing themselves from the Otani Sweepstakes, leaving him 29 franchises to choose from. The reason why? The Marlins are claiming “financial concerns,” as they do not want to pay the $20 Million posting fee.
After spending $1.2 Billion to purchase the team, CEO Derek Jeter and chairman Bruce Sherman are looking to slash payroll. In fact, removing Stanton’s salary is the primary motivation for seeking out a trade. Those payroll and other financial issues extend to the idea of paying $20 Million over an 18 month period, as would be the case if they were to land Otani.
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This argument is utterly asinine. Despite an initial expenditure of $20 Million, Otani would be bound by the rules of any other major league rookie, and would make the minimum in his first season. He would not be eligible for arbitration until after the 2020 campaign, and perhaps a bit longer if a team stashes him in the minors for a few weeks. That cost certainty would appear to fit into the Marlins budgetary concerns.
Likewise, signing Otani would be a financial boon for whatever team lands the prized prospect. Not only would jersey sales and interest in the team spike, but there would be plenty of sponsorship opportunities from the newfound interest in the team. In the long run, inking Otani to a contract would more than pay for itself.
Instead, the Marlins are taking a decidedly short sighted approach. While they may well be losing money at present, that is because the Marlins have alienated their fanbase. Bringing in a player like Otani would be a shot in the arm, rekindling that flagging interest. By bowing out of the market already, Jeter and Company are making another in what is becoming a long list of public relations disasters in their brief time in control of the team.
Shohei Otani is a player who is expected to change the game. Just do not expect to see him in a Miami Marlins uniform, because spending $20 Million for a franchise altering talent is simply beyond their capabilities.