Chicago Cubs must differentiate themselves in Shohei Ohtani talks

One of just seven teams left standing in the talks for Shohei Ohtani, the Chicago Cubs will no-doubt look to differentiate themselves in the next week.

As teams dropped like flies in their pursuit of Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani, the Chicago Cubs advanced to the final round – along with six other Major League teams.

A clear preference for a west coast locale pervaded the final list. The Cubs joined the Texas Rangers as the only team not located west of the Rockies who will get a shot at the outfielder-pitcher. But, depending on how you look at it, that may help those two teams. Time will tell.

This will, in the end, come down to differentiators. All seven clubs have unique aspects they will use to try to lure Ohtani. Teams like the Cubs have a recent World Series in their pocket. Other teams, like the Seattle Mariners, will go a very different route in convincing Ohtani to join their roster.

So let’s take a look at each of these pitches. Of course, we’re guessing how these will play out. But, regardless, understanding what makes each of these teams appealing is key as the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes play out over the next couple weeks.