Reporter shoots down speculation on Shohei Ohtani’s whereabouts

Aug 8, 2023; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) watches from the dugout in the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The internet thought it was successful in tracking Shohei Ohtani’s plane to Toronto. They may have thought wrong.

The Toronto Blue Jays are considered one of the finalists in the free agency pursuit of Ohtani.

On Friday, a report came out that said Ohtani was set to sign with the Blue Jays. While several other reporters refuted the initial report, it didn’t stop fans from trying to catch Ohtani en route to Toronto.

Fans even locked in on one particular flight that many speculated to have Ohtani on board.

However, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported Friday that Ohtani is not in Toronto, nor is he on any flights to Toronto just yet. Nightengale said Ohtani has just been at his residence in Southern California.

Shohei Ohtani is NOT in Toronto.
Ohtani is NOT on a flight to Toronto.
Ohtani is at home in Southern California.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 8, 2023

Nightengale’s report was also confirmed by the New York Post’s Jon Heyman.

Can confirm Shohei Ohtani is not en route to Toronto and is home in SoCal @BNightengale on it

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 8, 2023

Ohtani’s camp previously requested for privacy among teams they were meeting in free agency. The vow of silence has made it harder to gain insight on undoubtedly the largest MLB free agency chase in a long time.

With Ohtani expected to come to a decision soon, the speculation on his next landing spot may likely grow from here.