In the midst of MLB free-agent season, the Chicago Cubs are reportedly contemplating a daring move to secure the services of star player Shohei Ohtani. The prized free agent, who is widely regarded as the top player available this year, has attracted attention from several teams, but the Cubs have emerged as possible contenders despite initial doubts about his price range.

The unexpected hiring of Craig Counsell as the new Cubs manager to replace David Ross has seemingly signaled a shift in the organization's intentions. With Counsell's arrival, it appears that the Cubs are now determined to position themselves as formidable competitors in the upcoming seasons, particularly in 2024 and beyond.

Ohtani's exceptional talents as both a pitcher and designated hitter have undoubtedly captured the Cubs' interest. While it may seem unconventional to sign a player who won't take the mound until 2025, his extraordinary performance as a DH in 2024 would bring immense value to the team. In the previous season, Ohtani exhibited his prowess at the plate, boasting an impressive batting line of .304/.412/.654 accompanied by 44 home runs. This exceptional display placed him at the top of the American League in home runs and slugging percentage, as well as leading the entire MLB in OPS. Notably, all these accomplishments were achieved in just 135 games due to an oblique injury and subsequent elbow surgery that sidelined him in mid-September. Ohtani's offensive contributions were highly regarded, earning him a 6.0 bWAR, securing him fourth place among position players in the American League.

According to MLB Trade Rumors, Ohtani's anticipated contract is speculated to be a groundbreaking 12-year deal worth $528 million. This unprecedented agreement would make it the highest-paid contract in MLB history, both in terms of average annual value and total dollar amount.

The question arises: is Ohtani worth such a staggering investment? If he can replicate his previous pitching prowess, which he displayed prior to the shutdown in 2023, the answer is unequivocally yes. By signing Ohtani, the Cubs would acquire not only a top-tier hitter but also a formidable starter, potentially filling the role of a reliable number two pitcher. His bWAR of 4.0 as a pitcher in 2023, coupled with 6.2 in 2022, further demonstrates his exceptional abilities on the mound. Even though he was unable to pitch after late August due to injury, Ohtani's 4.0 bWAR still placed him among the top four in the American League.

While deliberating on whether to pursue this groundbreaking deal, the Cubs must consider various factors, including the potential marketing opportunities that could arise from acquiring Ohtani. Although signing a player for marketing purposes is not the primary objective, the addition of Ohtani to the team would undoubtedly make the Cubs a prominent draw in Japan. Additionally, with the presence of the popular Seiya Suzuki on the roster, the Cubs could potentially harness considerable financial gains from Ohtani-related sales. However, it's crucial to weigh these potential gains against the potential limitations they might impose on improving other areas of the team, as investing such a significant sum in a single player might limit the organization's flexibility.

Ultimately, signing Ohtani to the proposed contract would be a bold move for the Cubs, and the decision remains divisive. While the conventional wisdom points towards Ohtani signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Cubs have a unique history with him. When Ohtani initially transitioned from Japan to MLB in 2017, the Cubs were the only non-West Coast team he spoke to. It could be speculated that the absence of a designated hitter on the Cubs' roster was the sole factor that prevented his signing at that time.

The question now remains whether the Cubs should take the leap and secure Ohtani's services for their team. Should they sign him to the contract as proposed by MLB Trade Rumors, seek an alternative deal with different financial terms, or decide against signing him altogether? The answer to this pivotal question will shape the Cubs' future and potentially alter the landscape of the MLB free-agent market.