In a highly anticipated free agency saga, Shohei Ohtani, the two-time American League MVP, is reportedly set to make his decision on a free-agent destination before the end of the weekend. This announcement comes after a series of secretive negotiations and meetings with various teams.

The free agency process of Ohtani has been deliberately veiled in secrecy, with the player and his agent, Nez Balelo of CAA Sports, working diligently to keep potential destinations under wraps. This strategy, combined with the reluctance of many clubs to leak any information, has created a sense of mystery around Ohtani's decision-making.

However, Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts recently broke the silence by confirming that the team had hosted Ohtani for a meeting at Dodger Stadium. Roberts stated that Ohtani is the top priority for the Dodgers, causing some concern among the team's fanbase. Nonetheless, MLB.com's Jon Morosi does not believe that Roberts' comments will have any negative impact on the team's chances of signing Ohtani.

Aside from the Dodgers, the Blue Jays and Giants are also reported to have held meetings with Ohtani. The Blue Jays met with him at their spring complex in Dunedin, Florida, while the Giants hosted him at Oracle Park in San Francisco. The incumbent Angels are also believed to still be in contention for Ohtani's services.

Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer vehemently denied reports that his club's chances of landing Ohtani had diminished significantly. Whether the Cubs have had a meeting with Ohtani or not remains uncertain. Other early players in the Ohtani sweepstakes, such as the Red Sox, Mets, and Rangers, seem to have shifted their attention elsewhere after falling behind in the bidding.

While there may be undisclosed clubs involved, the impending decision by Ohtani is expected to set off a flurry of activity in the free-agent and trade markets. The reported finalists have refrained from making significant moves until they learn whether they will secure Ohtani's services. This delay has also affected the market for players like Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Cody Bellinger, Tyler Glasnow, and Shane Bieber, as their potential destinations are contingent on the outcome of the Ohtani sweepstakes.

If Ohtani does finalize his decision within the next few days, it is almost certain to unleash a wave of offseason transactions and trades. Baseball fans and executives alike eagerly await the conclusion of this monumental free agency process, which has captivated the attention of the entire league.