Shohei Ohtani was at the top of every MLB team's wish list last offseason. In the end, the Dodgers successfully acquired the two-way, Japanese-born superstar.
Former president of baseball operations for the San Francisco Giants, Farhan Zaidi, gave his take on why Ohtani opted to sign with the Dodgers over the Giants.
"You look at Shohei, he was building a house in Southern California," Zaidi said on Foul Territory. "Obviously the Dodgers have been really successful."
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It is evident that Ohtani wanted to stay in Southern California. But, Zaidi wants to end the narrative that San Francisco is a bad place to play. Although Zaidi was fired by the organization in September, he is still grateful for the six years he spent with the Giants.
"But I really push back hard on this narrative that nobody wants to play in San Francisco. Nobody wants to play for the Giants" Zaidi continued. "It's a great city, it's a great organization. I have been so happy in my time in San Francisco and I wish the organization success, and I know they're going to be able to attract players. Willy Adames ... is just the latest example of that."
Adames signed the largest contract in the Giants' franchise history earlier this month. The highly sought-after Dominican shortstop inked a seven-year, $182 million contract with San Francisco.
The Giants hired part-time franchise owner Buster Posey to replace Zaidi in the front office. Perhaps the change helped San Francisco add the popular free agent to their roster.
Other than signing Adames, the Giants have yet to make any other major offseason moves. However, with Posey at the helm of the front office, San Francisco may be able to create a roster that will take them back to the postseason.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images