The Giants will try every angle to get two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani into free agency.
Perhaps new coach Bob Melvin’s extensive experience coaching players from the Pacific Rim could help land the Japanese superstar. Or starting pitcher Alex Cobb, who played alongside Ohtani in 2021 and began recruiting his former teammate during the summer’s All-Star Game, could help.
Or maybe the Giants have someone in the organization with ties to Ohtani, or someone in his camp.
The Athletic’s Sam Blum, Andrew Baggarley and Fabian Aldaya published a feature article on Ohtani’s agent, Nez Valero, who happens to have ties to current members of the Giants organization.
Drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the fourth round of the 1985 MLB draft, Valero was teammates with current Giants Triple-A coach Dave Brundage and current Major League pitching coach Brian Price with the Vermont Mariners in 1988. Ta.
According to The Athletic, Valero, who was recently named to Melvin’s staff, and Price have maintained a close personal and professional relationship over the years, which could be important for the Giants. or not.
San Francisco is in contention for Ohtani this winter after the two-way star underwent Tommy John surgery on Sept. 19, but Price, a friend of Valero, is hopeful that Ohtani will sign with San Francisco and return to the mound. If he does, he will likely work closely with Ohtani. In 2025.
Ohtani will be limited to hitting only in 2024, but a potential relationship with Price could play a big role in extending his pitching career.
Needless to say, the final decision rests with Ohtani and not Valero, but having a pitching coach like Price, who is respected throughout the league and perhaps even trusted by the superstar’s longtime agent won’t hurt the Giants.
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