Before the 2025 World Series brings Shohei Ohtani to Toronto for real, dive into the unforgettable 2023 free agency saga when a viral, false report of his flight to the city ignited fan fervor, media chaos, and laid the groundwork for the intense Dodgers-Blue Jays showdown we’re witnessing today.
The stage is set for an epic 2025 World Series, featuring Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Toronto Blue Jays. The irony is not lost on fans in Canada, as this marks Ohtani’s genuine arrival in Toronto, a place he was mistakenly rumored to be heading during his high-stakes free agency in December 2023. That bizarre episode created a narrative thread that has woven itself into the fabric of this Fall Classic, promising a spirited reception for the two-way superstar at Rogers Centre.
The Free Agency Frenzy and the Unseen Proposal
Shohei Ohtani’s free agency in 2023 was shrouded in unprecedented secrecy. Teams vying for his services had little insight into his decision-making process, patiently waiting for his announcement. What was later revealed was that Ohtani approached his decision with a unique strategy: he made the same contractual proposal to several teams, including the Dodgers, Blue Jays, San Francisco Giants, and Los Angeles Angels. Crucially, both the Dodgers and Blue Jays were reportedly ready to accept his terms, as detailed by Sports Illustrated.
The contract itself, a staggering $700 million over 10 years, included significant deferrals, a mechanism reportedly proposed by Ohtani himself. This strategic deferral made the deal even more attractive to the Dodgers, creating what many consider one of the biggest bargains in sports history given Ohtani’s immense talent and global marketability, as noted by Yahoo Sports. His presence has transformed the Dodgers into a cultural powerhouse in Japan, generating substantial advertising revenue that effectively offsets much of his annual cost.
December 8, 2023: A Day of Infamy for Blue Jays Fans
The saga that fueled much of the current animosity unfolded on December 8, 2023, the day before Ohtani officially announced his signing with the Dodgers. It began with reports suggesting an imminent decision and, more dramatically, that Ohtani was en route to Toronto.
The timeline of events highlights the rapid spread of misinformation and the fervent hope of Blue Jays fans:
- 8:39 a.m. ET: MLB Network reporter Jon Morosi tweeted that Ohtani’s decision was imminent, possibly coming that very day.
- Flight Tracking Begins: Social media users quickly identified and began tracking a private flight from John Wayne Airport in Anaheim, near Ohtani’s then-home, scheduled to land in Toronto. Over 4,000 people reportedly followed this flight on FlightAware.
- 9:42 a.m. ET: An unsubstantiated rumor circulated that Blue Jays pitcher Yusei Kikuchi had reserved an entire sushi restaurant in Toronto, adding fuel to the speculative fire.
- 1:53 p.m. ET: J.P. Hoornstra of Dodgers Nation reported, citing “multiple sources,” that Ohtani had chosen the Blue Jays. This report significantly escalated the excitement among Toronto fans.
The Bubble Bursts: Ohtani Was Never on That Plane
The high hopes were quickly dashed. Mere minutes after the Hoornstra report, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet and Alden Gonzalez of ESPN both disputed the claims, stating that Ohtani had made no decision and had no set timeline. Despite these counter-reports, the initial narrative had taken hold, especially after Jon Morosi doubled down hours later, tweeting that Ohtani was “en route to Toronto” without a signed agreement.
The situation became a full-blown media spectacle, with fake videos of Ohtani arriving in Toronto circulating widely. The truth finally emerged hours later when multiple credible reporters confirmed that Ohtani was, in fact, still in Southern California. The widely tracked private jet was found to be carrying Canadian businessman Robert Herjavec of “Shark Tank” fame, who later good-naturedly played along with the mishap on Instagram.
The day concluded with Jon Morosi’s apology for sharing “inaccurate information,” a moment that cemented the ‘Flight to Toronto’ as one of the most memorable blunders in recent sports journalism.
The True Announcement and a Legacy Forged
On the following day, December 9, 2023, Shohei Ohtani made his official announcement via Instagram, revealing his decision to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers for a record-shattering $700 million.
Ohtani’s move to a perennial contender like the Dodgers signaled a clear prioritization of his legacy, aiming for postseason success that eluded him with the Angels. This decision, while disappointing for Blue Jays fans, was understandable from a career perspective, as he sought to play important games for one of baseball’s signature franchises.
The Echoes of Disappointment: Boos and Dominance
The unfulfilled promise of Ohtani’s arrival left a lasting sting in Toronto. When Ohtani finally did play at Rogers Centre in April 2024, he was met with a chorus of boos from the bitter Blue Jays faithful. His response was emphatic: a home run in his first at-bat against the Jays, followed by an RBI single that set a new Dodgers record for the hardest-hit ball in the Statcast era at 119.2 mph. This on-field retaliation only deepened the narrative between the player and the jilted fanbase.
Despite the boos, Canadian fans hold a nuanced view. Many, like Christine Takasaki and Jaeden Sasaki, expressed respect for Ohtani’s achievements while reaffirming their lifelong loyalty to the Blue Jays. The “what-if” of Ohtani joining Toronto remains a tantalizing thought, but ultimately, fans like Sasaki simply hope Ohtani “doesn’t go too hard” on their team.
From ‘What If’ to World Series: A Full Circle Moment
The Toronto Blue Jays defied expectations by reaching the 2025 World Series for the first time in over three decades, securing their spot by defeating the Seattle Mariners in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series. Now, they face the Los Angeles Dodgers and the very player they almost signed. The initial heartbreak of Ohtani’s non-arrival has transformed into an electrifying World Series matchup.
This series brings the ‘flight to Toronto’ saga full circle. Shohei Ohtani will finally be on a plane to Toronto, not for a free agency signing, but to compete for a championship against the team that nearly secured his historic talents. The reception will undoubtedly be charged, with boos for Ohtani (and perhaps even George Springer, whose past with the Astros casts a shadow for Dodgers fans), making for a deeply personal and unforgettable Fall Classic.
