The Giants should be a big player for two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani. But some who know Ohtani see a possible hurdle for the Giants: their ballpark.
While Oracle Park is one of the most beautiful, it’s unfriendly to lefty power hitters. Some believe Ohtani isn’t in it for the money but to show he’s the best (aside: I think he’s already done that).
So ballparks may be a factor.
The Giants seek up-the-middle strength but are also interested in star third baseman Matt Chapman.
New manager Bob Melvin and Chapman were together across the bay, in Oakland.
Cody Bellinger is a solid fit for San Fran, and the Giants, incumbent Cubs and Yankees are early favorites there.
Bellinger, only 28, is the obvious Yankees target, but while there aren’t a ton of free-agent outfielders (Jung-Hoo Lee and Kevin Kiermaier may be next best among desired lefty hitters), there may be a few who’d fit on the trade market, including Trent Grisham, Alex Verdugo and switch-hitter Dylan Carlson.
The Jays are making a big push to keep Chapman.