Blue Jays GM: Ohtani would be 'perfect fit' in Toronto

The Toronto Blue Jays expect to be players in the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes once he's posted by the Nippon Ham Fighters.

General manager Ross Atkins said the team will be "extremely prepared" to make a pitch when the time comes, adding he thinks Toronto is a "perfect fit" for the pitcher-outfielder hybrid, according to Sportsnet's Hazel Mae.

The 23-year-old Ohtani is expected to be highly coveted for his ability to crush home runs while also shutting down opponents from his perch on the mound. Ohtani missed action throughout 2017, playing in only 65 games as a hitter, and tossing only 25 1/3 innings.

In 2016, he slashed .322/.416/.588 with 22 home runs, 18 doubles, and 67 RBIs.

The Blue Jays will have to get creative with their international bonus pool money if they intend to take a run at bringing Ohtani north. They only have $50,000 available, compared to $3.535 million for the Texas Rangers, according to Ronald Blum of the Associated Press.