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A resolution on the blockbuster free agency of superstar Shohei Ohtani appears to be approaching.

So, the natural, MLB-altering question is: Where’s he going?

The internet’s finest sleuths are on the case, for better or worse.

Friday morning, MLB Network’s Jon Morosi cited a source in reporting a deal for Ohtani, expected to set a new record for the largest contract in North American pro sports, was “imminent, possibly as early as today.”

He went on to report the Blue Jays were a finalist to obtain the services of the slugging-and-pitching sensation.

That’s where the opera singers come in.

Really.

Enter, from stage way left, baritone Clarence Frazer, who heard from a source — who doesn’t have sources these days? — that Blue Jays pitcher Yusei Kukuchi had “reserved an entire upscale sushi restaurant near Rogers Centre” for Friday night.

Kikuchi, like Ohtani, hails from Japan. (And, no, it’s not Kikuchi’s wife’s birthday. We checked.)


  All signs point to Shohei Ohtani joining the Blue Jays — according to the internet. AP All signs point to Shohei Ohtani joining the Blue Jays — according to the internet. AP

A further theory, circulated on Reddit, dealing with tracking flights inbound to Toronto and hinging on the false notion that Ohtani has a girlfriend in Hawaii, was debunked.

At this week’s winter meetings, where deal-making (outside of the Yankees’ trade for Juan Soto) slowed to a glacial pace in anticipation of Ohtani’s move, it was revealed that Ohtani recently met with Blue Jays brass at the team’s refurbished spring training facility in Dunedin, Fla.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts also confessed his team had a multi-hour meeting with Ohtani.

Details regarding Ohtani’s free agency have been scarce as suitors have been warned to keep developments out of the press.

Ohtani, 29, is the reigning unanimous American League MVP, coming off a season in which he put up 10 WAR, including 44 home runs and a sultanic 1.066 OPS (.304/.412/.654).

He also posted a 3.14 ERA in 23 starts, but tore his ulnar collateral ligament in August and underwent Tommy John surgery that will keep him off the mound in 2024.


  Ohtani is the reigning AL MVP. AP Ohtani is the reigning AL MVP. AP

Ohtani also won the MVP in 2021 and finished second to Aaron Judge in 2022.

The final math on Ohtani’s forthcoming contract is expected to exceed $500 million.

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