Parallel Universe in Baseball: What If Ohtani and Sasaki Had Chosen Toronto?
When the 2025 World Series begins in Toronto, Shohei Ohtani, in the Los Angeles Dodgers uniform, would prepare for his first at-bat. But, what if history had taken a different course, and Ohtani was on the mound or at bat with the Toronto Blue Jays?
Similarly, Roki Sasaki, who solidified the Dodgers’ bullpen, could have been the rookie sensation for the Blue Jays. How close were Ohtani and Sasaki to joining Toronto? Let’s analyze this intriguing scenario.
Ohtani’s Decision: A Flight to Toronto That Never Happened
The speculation was intense. A private jet with registration N616RH was the center of attention. It was said that the plane would fly from California to Toronto, and the coincidence with the date Ohtani had signed with the Angels years ago fueled the expectation.
The information spread rapidly, it was even reported that Ohtani was heading to Toronto. Fans gathered at the airport, but the passenger on the plane was not Ohtani, but Robert Herjavec. The official news came via Instagram: Ohtani would join the Dodgers, marking the beginning of a new era in Los Angeles.
Sasaki and the Blue Jays: Another Alternate Ending
Roki Sasaki, after announcing his arrival in the Major Leagues, became the most sought-after free agent. The Yankees, Mets, Cubs, Rangers, and Giants were out of the running, leaving the Padres, Dodgers, and, surprisingly, the Blue Jays as finalists.
Sasaki visited Toronto, fueling hopes. The Blue Jays even acquired additional space in the international bonus. However, like Ohtani, Sasaki announced his decision via Instagram, choosing the Dodgers and leaving Toronto empty-handed.
Simulating the Last Two Seasons with Ohtani in Toronto
Reimagining baseball history involves multiple decisions, especially with a high-profile transaction like Ohtani’s. To simulate this scenario, team rosters were adjusted, considering Ohtani’s impact on the Dodgers and the Blue Jays.
The Dodgers, without Ohtani, would have been affected, but they wouldn’t dismantle their strategy. It was estimated that the production of the Dodgers’ alternative players would be worth around five wins per season. The Blue Jays, on the other hand, would have had a significant boost with Ohtani.
In the simulation, the Blue Jays won the World Series in only three out of 10,000 attempts with Ohtani. The Dodgers, without him, made the playoffs in 73% of the simulations and won the title in 7%.
In 2025, with Ohtani, the Blue Jays became favorites, winning the World Series in 15% of the simulations. The Dodgers, for their part, reached the playoffs 71% of the time and won the Series in 6%.
A Dodgers vs. Blue Jays matchup in the World Series occurred much more frequently in the 2025 simulations, with the Blue Jays winning the series in 61.7% of the time, which contrasts with the current odds.
Five Key Moves the Dodgers Could Have Made Without Ohtani
Without Ohtani, the Dodgers would have reevaluated their strategy. They focused on strengthening the starting pitching. Here are five moves they might have considered:
Dylan Cease: A pitcher with great potential, ideal for the Dodgers’ rotation.
Blake Snell: A renowned pitcher, although with some inconsistency.
Josh Hader: An elite closer, to reinforce the bullpen.
Jung Hoo Lee: A center fielder with the potential to be a lead-off hitter.
Matt Chapman: A defensive third baseman, to strengthen the infield.
