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Chicago Cubs must differentiate themselves in Shohei Ohtani talks

By Jake Misener

TOKYO, JAPAN - NOVEMBER 12: Shohei Ohtani #16 of Japan is seen during the warm-up ahead of the international friendly match between Japan and Netherlands at the Tokyo Dome on November 12, 2016 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Masterpress/Getty Images)
TOKYO, JAPAN - NOVEMBER 12: Shohei Ohtani #16 of Japan is seen during the warm-up ahead of the international friendly match between Japan and Netherlands at the Tokyo Dome on November 12, 2016 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Masterpress/Getty Images) /
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SAN DIEGO, CA – JULY 12: Jets fly over Petco Park before the 87th Annual MLB All-Star Game at PETCO Park on July 12, 2016 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA – JULY 12: Jets fly over Petco Park before the 87th Annual MLB All-Star Game at PETCO Park on July 12, 2016 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Could Ohtani be the face of the Padres?

2015 – 2017 Record: 213-273 (.438 winning percentage)

Short-Term Outlook:

The only club worse than the Padres in the National League West? Another team on this list – the San Francisco Giants. Of course, we’ve come to expect this type of campaign from the Friars while the Giants are perennial contenders for a division title.

San Diego ranked dead-last in the National League in OPS (.692) and 11th in earned run average (4.67). Wil Myers hit a career-high 30 home runs, but saw his batting average drop below .250. He also led the team in runs batted in; no Padres hitter managed more than 74 RBI.

Long-Term Outlook: 

Like the Dodgers, San Diego has a very strong minor league system. Outfielder Manny Margot represents one of the best talents in the game and given the Padres’ relative youth, the future is very bright. The team just inked A.J. Preller to an extension, so the belief is there. Now, they need a centerpiece to build around.

Biggest Differentiator:

For the last two seasons, Ohtani worked out at an Arizona complex shared by the Padres and Mariners. There are countless connections between the 23-year-old star and San Diego, which might make them the most logical destination. Familiarity could make this transition much smoother, allowing him to focus on baseball above all else.

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