The Mariners dogged pursuit to sign Shohei Ohtani ended unfulfilled. And now they will have to play against him 19 times this season.
On Friday morning, Ohtani and his agent Nez Balelo ended the speculation, posturing and maneuvering of the seven finalists, releasing a statement saying that Ohtani would sign with the Los Angeles Angels.
From the statement:
“What mattered to him most wasn’t market size, time zone or league but that he felt a true bond with the Angels. He sees this as the best environment to develop and reach the next level and attain his career goals.