Particle.news
Download on the App Store
3 ARTICLES
·
last mo.

New Book Chronicles Blue Jays’ Secret Ohtani Pursuit and Guerrero Jr.’s $500M Extension

Matheson’s narrative sheds light on the Blue Jays’ secretive tactics to woo a superstar free agent.

Blue Jays outfielder Jesse Barfield dives safely back to first base as the ball gets away from Texas Rangers first baseman Peter O'Brien in a game at Exhibition Stadium in Toronto on Saturday, Aug. 3, 1985. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Mike Blake

Overview

  • In fall 2023 the front office hosted Shohei Ohtani and his entourage at the renovated Dunedin player development complex, complete with three dedicated lockers and team-branded gear.
  • Despite the lavish presentation, Ohtani opted for a 10-year, $700 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
  • The Blue Jays secured star first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. last April with a 14-year, $500 million extension, a franchise-record commitment.
  • Matheson’s book traces the club’s 48-year journey, from its early seasons and back-to-back World Series titles to recent playoff near-misses.
  • The narrative describes a secret Zoom session with GM Ross Atkins and a false report that Ohtani had already chosen Toronto as part of what the author calls his strangest reporting experience.