Shohei Ohtani Free Agency: 'Shotime' Continues Hide-and-Seek Game With Fans and Stalkers

Shohei Ohtani's free agency journey continues, and many are trying to keep in step with "Shotime's" next MLB stop.

Figuring that out has been a challenge for fans and scribes as the camp of Ohtani requested privacy among MLB teams with which the Japanese sensation has been meeting. This has gotten even more twisted, especially for the ones keeping track of his flight itinerary.

Following reports that Ohtani was set to sign with the Blue Jays on Friday, December 8, the two-time AL MVP was not there in the first place, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today. The scribe added that Ohtani is actually at his home in Southern California.

Backing up Nightengale's report is Jon Heyman of the New York Post. He confirmed that Ohtani was not on his way to Toronto and was at his home in Southern California.

Nothing final with the Blue Jays

While it was made known that the Toronto Blue Jays were hot on Ohtani's tail, a report by a beat reporter shook the Shohei Ohtani free agency race on Friday.

This was after a report from LA Daily News beat reporter J.P. Hoornstra, citing sources, claiming that the two-way superstar has ended the suspense in free agency and that an announcement was set to be made soon.

Ohtani's free agency mystery continues

With these developments, there appears to be no clarity on whether Ohtani will pick the Blue Jays over other suitors.

Aside from Toronto, other teams in the race for Shohei Ohtani's services include the Los Angeles Dodgers, the San Francisco Giants, and the Chicago Cubs.

Among those teams, the Dodgers are picked as the favorites to land Ohtani by oddsmakers via CBS Sports.