Bob Melvin addresses Giants’ Shohei Ohtani offseason pursuit originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Location

It’s been known for months now that two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani is on the top of the Giants’ free-agent shopping list.

So, in the early innings of the offseason, has San Francisco’s front office, led by president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi, consulted with Ohtani’s camp to entice him to the Bay?

” Not yet,” new Giants manager Bob Melvin stated Thursday on KNBR. “That’s Farhan’s offer for when that possibly takes place. He’s going to drive that market. When he’s readily available, we’ll be listening.”

Ohtani was named the consentaneous 2023 AL MVP on Thursday after mashing 44 homers and logging a 3.41 ERA for the Los Angeles Angels. He strikes totally free company as baseball’s most distinct weapon and is expected to land the biggest free-agent contract in league history.

The Giants hope to bring the two-way phenom to the Bay after ending up runner-up to signing other notable stars in recent offseasons.

” There may have been some groundwork laid … but it has not crossed my desk,” Melvin stated. “I’m not sure who, if any person, has. I’m sure they’ll try to keep it quiet. At a time when it starts to warm up, then you’ll hear all the teams involved.

” I’m unsure what his process is yet, but ideally we get a chance to speak with him.”

Even if the Giants currently had actually met with Ohtani, the company likely would keep all talks mum. ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported earlier this week that if a meeting in between Ohtani and any team becomes public knowledge, the super star will hold it against the pursuing club.

Ohtani underwent elbow surgery in September, which will prevent him from pitching next season. But he’s expected to be ready to strike Opening Day– whether it remains in a Giants uniform or in other places.

Melvin, who game-planned versus Ohtani for years while handling the Oakland Sports in the AL West, is still in awe of the star’s talent.

” You’re constantly knowledgeable about when he’s turning up,” Melvin said. “It’s the power, it’s the speed, it’s whatever he brings to the table. He’s as special of a skill as you’ll ever see. I learnt more about him a little bit through Kurt Suzuki, who was over there in Anaheim.

” He’s one-of-a-kind skill. An immense talent. It’s outrageous, actually.”