Yesterday was a whirlwind on social media for Blue Jays fans, as stars seemingly aligned around the team amid rumours of potentially signing the most significant free agent in Toronto sports history–Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani.

The buzz among fans was reminiscent of the excitement leading up to the 2022 MLB Playoffs when the team clinched the Wild Card with 92 wins, gearing up to face a beatable Seattle Mariners team that barely made it in.

On Friday afternoon on X (formerly Twitter), thousands anxiously awaited every second, fueled by speculation that an unidentified man boarding a Bombardier 5,000 private jet from Santa Ana, Calif. (Anaheim) to Toronto Pearson Airport was none other than Ohtani himself.

As a fan, the anticipation felt tangible, especially when two Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA) members tweeted confirmation that Ohtani was possibly en route to Toronto. Even Drake contributed to the excitement by posting an image on his Instagram story, donning an Ohtani MLB All-Star jersey in his Toronto home.

Several journalists rushed to Pearson International Airport hoping to catch a glimpse of the six-foot-three two-way Japanese player, only to witness the much smaller, Canadian businessman Robert Herjavec, stepping off his private plane onto the tarmac.

Later, multiple sources confirmed that Ohtani was, in fact, at his home in Newport Beach, Calif.

If there’s one lesson learned from yesterday, it’s that Ohtani’s announcement won’t likely come from any “X” baseball writer. Everything revealed about Ohtani has come from the teams pursuing him. GM Ross Atkins danced around inquiries earlier in the week, showing up late to the Winter Meetings after being in Dunedin, Fla., showcasing the Blue Jays’ state-of-the-art training facility to the “rumoured” free agent. Dave Roberts, the manager of the L.A. Dodgers, also confirmed a meeting with the superstar, sharing that they had a “good conversation” about his potential future with the Dodgers.

What we understand about Ohtani and his tight-knit inner circle is their commitment to maintaining silence throughout this process, suggesting it’s likely to remain that way. His circle has shared nothing with the media, emphasizing Ohtani’s intent to give himself a chance to win and find the best fit–a motive shared by most free agents.

If news does break, don’t expect it from baseball writers like Jon Morosi, Ken Rosenthal, or J.P. Hoornstra; it will more likely come directly from a team or the player himself. It’s the approach Ohtani and his circle have embraced throughout this process.

Despite six seasons in the MLB with the Los Angeles Angels without playing a postseason game, the teams pursuing him offer Ohtani a chance to change that narrative.

I know I am echoing hundreds of baseball writers on X here, but the mere inclusion of the Blue Jays in talks alongside the Dodgers and Giants can give fans optimism. With the pursuit of Ohtani, Blue Jays fans can see that owner Edward Rogers and GM Atkins recognize the team’s potential and are acknowledging that significant changes need to be made for this contingent to compete for a World Series.

– Marley Dickinson (@marleydickinson)