UPDATE: As the 2025 World Series kicks off tonight in Toronto, fans are buzzing about the potential alternate reality where Shohei Ohtani dons a Blue Jays uniform rather than the familiar attire of the Los Angeles Dodgers. This intriguing twist in baseball history raises questions about what could have been, especially considering Ohtani’s monumental impact on any team he joins.
On December 8, 2023, speculation ran rampant that Ohtani was en route to Toronto to sign with the Blue Jays. Social media erupted when a private jet, tail number N616RH, was reported to be flying from Southern California to Canada. Fans gathered at Pearson Airport, hoping to catch a glimpse of the baseball superstar. However, it was not Ohtani on that plane, but a celebrity, leaving fans in disbelief when he ultimately announced his decision to join the Dodgers.
Meanwhile, Roki Sasaki, another highly coveted player, also turned down the Blue Jays in favor of the Dodgers in a dramatic offseason. Both choices have significantly shaped the postseason landscape, with the Dodgers now battling the Blue Jays in the World Series.
What if Ohtani had chosen Toronto? The ramifications would be profound. The Blue Jays, after a disappointing 2024 season, could have transformed into a powerhouse with Ohtani’s dual-threat capabilities. Instead of a lackluster 74-88 record, projections suggest they might have reached an elite status, potentially winning the World Series in several simulations.
In contrast, the Dodgers, who won the championship last season, would have faced a steep decline without Ohtani’s contributions. His absence could have resulted in a significant drop in performance, with projections indicating a shift from a 95.9 win total in 2024 to around 90 wins in 2025.
The emotional stakes are high as fans reflect on what might have been. Ohtani’s absence from the Blue Jays means they have had to rely on less prolific players, while the Dodgers would have had to scramble for alternative strategies, potentially reshaping their roster dramatically.
As the series unfolds, all eyes will be on the field to see if the Blue Jays can clinch their first championship since 1993 or if the Dodgers will maintain their dominance. The questions linger: How would the narrative change if Ohtani had taken that flight? What moves would the Dodgers have made to compensate for his absence?
With the World Series now underway, the excitement is palpable, and the debate over Ohtani’s decision will surely continue. Stay tuned as we cover every thrilling moment of this pivotal matchup that could define the future of Major League Baseball.
