MLB insiders have gone back and forth regarding the Braves’ level of interest in Shohei Ohtani.
MLB Network’s Jon Morosi has reported several times that Alex Anthopoulos remains engaged in talks with Ohtani and his representatives. Most recently, he said, “The Braves cannot be overlooked in the Ohtani sweepstakes.”
Sources: Braves are among the teams still engaged with Shohei Ohtani’s camp, as I reported in this @MLBNetwork segment. @MLB pic.twitter.com/lP4lISzttN
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 4, 2023
This prompted the Braves beat writer for MLB.com Mark Bowman to put out a conflicting report, saying the Braves have not had serious negotiations with Shohei Ohtani.
I tend to side with Bowman in these sorts of situations. He may not have any direct sources, but he’s generally plugged in and has an idea of what direction the team is headed. However, as long as Ohtani remains a free agent, there is hope, even if it is all for naught. The Braves keep things close to the vest, and Alex Anthopoulos likes it that way.
That’s not going to change as long as Anthopoulos is the general manager in Atlanta, so his reaction to a question at this week’s MLB Winter Meetings regarding the Braves’ interest in Shohei Ohtani should come as no surprise.
When asked about the rumors surrounding Shohei Ohtani's reported interest in the #Braves by Japanese press, Alex Anthopoulos plainly stated that he cannot discuss free agents and added that the only position player they've pursued at any point this winter is Jarred Kelenic.
— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) December 5, 2023
Someone had to ask, right?
Of course, Alex Anthopoulos is never going to discuss ongoing negotiations with anyone, particularly in a public setting. That would be disingenuous to everyone involved, but it would be especially so for Ohtani and his camp, who have made it known they don’t want anything leaking in regards to meetings or ongoing negotiations.
When it comes to this situation, the less we hear the better. The Braves never leak information, and Ohtani’s camp is moving the same.
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Photographer: John Cordes/Icon Sportswire
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