Shohei Ohtani Rumors: Braves Remain in Mix for Angels Free Agent Amid Dodgers Buzz

Don't rule out the Atlanta Braves as a Shohei Ohtani destination just yet.

Jon Morosi of MLB Network reported the National League East team remains engaged with Ohtani during free agency. Morosi called the Braves "one of the teams I think we have not been giving enough attention to" and noted Ohtani "has prioritized teams that have a chance to win sustainably."

While he also pointed to the Los Angeles Dodgers as a team in pursuit, he stressed that Atlanta could still be a factor.

The discussion about the Braves comes after Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported the Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, Toronto Blue Jays, San Francisco Giants and incumbent Los Angeles Angels were seen as the teams bidding for a player who could end up signing a $600 million contract.

"While it's been suggested elsewhere there may also be a sixth mystery team, that's uncertain, so for all intents and purposes, those five clubs until further notice could be considered the finalists for the international sensation," Heyman wrote.

Perhaps Atlanta is that mystery team.

Ohtani could do far worse if he is looking for a consistent winner.

The Braves are coming off their sixth consecutive National League East crown during a stretch that also saw them win the World Series in 2021 and come one win away from another World Series in a Game 7 loss in the 2020 National League Championship Series.

A lineup with Ronald Acuña Jr., Matt Olson, Ozzie Albies and Ohtani would be downright daunting for opposing pitching staffs and surely set Atlanta up for another division title and deep postseason run.

Then it would be even more dangerous in 2025 if Ohtani does return to the mound as an ace pitcher after he just focuses on offense in 2024 following elbow surgery.

For now, there are a number of high-profile suitors for arguably the most sought-after free agent in recent league history. But it seems like the Braves are are least one of those suitors still in pursuit.