Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Shohei Ohtani 'interested' in Red Sox despite multiple roadblocks

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 9/15/23

The Los Angeles Angels will miss the playoffs for the ninth straight year, so now the attention has again shifted to the future of two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani.

The pending free agent hasn't pitched since Aug. 23 due to his UCL tear (which ended his campaign on the mound) and hasn't played at all since Sept. 3 due to an oblique strain. It's unclear whether Ohtani will return to a batter's box this season with the Angels well out of the race.

Longtime sports journalist Peter Gammons gave an update on the Ohtani sweepstakes Friday, noting that the AL MVP candidate may be "interested" in the Boston Red Sox, but there are a few roadblocks in the way.

N.L. Executive long familiar with Shonei Ohtani believes he is interested in Boston, partly because of his relationship with New Balance CEO Jim Davis.Bosox problem:Masataka Yoshida has to DH, Ohtani off TJ must DH, Sox $ mostly going to pitching.
— Peter Gammons (@pgammo) September 15, 2023

With the likes of third baseman Rafael Devers, designated hitter/first baseman Justin Turner, first baseman Triston Casas and leftfielder/designated hitter Masataka Yoshida in the lineup, offense hasn't been the issue for the Red Sox this season. Boston (who is also nearing official elimination from playoff contention) leads MLB in doubles (317); ranks inside the top five in hits (third), batting average (third) and total bases (fifth); and is a top-10 offense in a host of other categories.

The pitching, meanwhile, has been dismal.

The Sox rank 21st in team ERA (4.59), 25th in opponent's batting average (.260) and tied for 28th in shutouts (four). Manager Alex Cora's starting pitching has been particularly ineffective, with the starters tied for 26th in quality starts (39).

With Ohtani's pitching future very much up in the air, Beantown may not be the perfect fit.

If the 29-year-old three-time All-Star were to seriously consider signing with the Red Sox, it would also potentially create a logjam at designated hitter.

Yoshida will be 31 next year and has spent 43 games as the Boston DH in his first MLB season, while Turner (who will turn 39 in November) has been the Red Sox DH 90 times in 2023.

Turner signed a two-year deal with the organization in January (with a player option for 2024) and has not only been one of the team's best hitters this season, but a fan favorite.

Red Sox fans hoping for the new brass to splurge on Ohtani may be disappointed this winter.

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