(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
On Tuesday night, Shohei Ohtani got a chance to hear Seattle Mariners fans singing his praises as he stepped to the plate for the first time in the All-Star Game.
Ohtani is a free agent at the end of the year and is expected to leave the Los Angeles Angels.
Knowing this, Mariners fans chanted “Come to Seattle” when he was at the plate in an attempt to sway him towards joining the Mariners.
Seattle may end up being in the picture for the two-way superstar this coming winter.
After the game, Ohtani discussed what it was like hearing Mariners fans chant his name, and commented on the energy of Seattle every time he comes as a visiting player, via Jessamyn McIntyre.
Shohei Ohtani on hearing the chants from #Mariners fans to come to Seattle (through interpreter):
“Every time I come here, the fans are passionate. I’ve actually spent a couple off-seasons in Seattle, I like the city, it’s good.” pic.twitter.com/W52VByI0W1
— Jessamyn McIntyre (@JessamynMcIntyr) July 12, 2023
Ohtani talked about how every time he comes to Seattle, he feels the passion of the fanbase.
He even revealed that he sometimes spends the offseason in Seattle and that he really enjoys the city.
While this doesn’t ensure he’ll join the Mariners over the winter, it does bode well for Mariners fans.
Clearly, Ohtani enjoys the city of Seattle and likes to spend some quality time in the Pacific Northwest.
The Mariners could be in the mix for him this winter.
And if they are, they’ll have the advantage of knowing just how much Ohtani enjoys Seattle and appreciates the energy he feels from the Mariners fanbase every time he’s there.
Several teams will be calling for Ohtani’s services this offseason, but the Mariners could have a leg up on the rest of the bunch if they’re in the mix given his comments.
The post Shohei Ohtani Discusses Seattle As A Baseball City appeared first on The Cold Wire.