A Tale of Missed Opportunities: Blue Jays and Ohtani's Unfinished Business

Shohei Ohtani's decision to join the Los Angeles Dodgers instead of the Toronto Blue Jays left a lasting impact on the baseball world. The Blue Jays had put their hearts into the deal, even preparing a custom jacket for Ohtani's dog, Decoy. But in the end, Ohtani chose the Dodgers, leaving Toronto with a sense of loss and a lingering question: what if? Two years later, the World Series brings these two teams face to face again. The Blue Jays, led by manager John Schneider, have not forgotten the sting of Ohtani's decision. Schneider humorously asked if Ohtani brought back the Blue Jays hat and Decoy's jacket, a lighthearted jab at the past. This World Series is more than just a competition; it's a chance for the Blue Jays to rewrite history and prove they can succeed without Ohtani. Ohtani's choice altered the course of baseball. The Blue Jays had planned to build their team around him, even adjusting their payroll to accommodate his $46 million contract. Without Ohtani, the Blue Jays had to make different decisions, extending contracts for players like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Instead of celebrating a new era, the Blue Jays were left to pick up the pieces. The impact of Ohtani's decision is clear. The Blue Jays' power rating would have been significantly higher with Ohtani on their team. They would have had a better chance at the playoffs and even a shot at the title. But instead, the Dodgers benefited from Ohtani's skills, leaving the Blue Jays to wonder what could have been. As the World Series unfolds, the Blue Jays have a chance to prove themselves. They can show that they don't need Ohtani to be successful. But the memory of what could have been will always be there, a reminder of the one that got away.