While the Dodgers were initially favored to secure Ohtani, speculation swirled about Toronto emerging as a strong contender after reports of the Japanese star visiting the Blue Jays' spring training facility in Dunedin, Fla., in December.
On Dec. 8, anticipation peaked when a report from Dodgersnation.com suggested Ohtani had chosen to sign with the Jays. This was followed by an MLB.com reporter's claim that Ohtani was en route to Toronto.
Social media buzzed with speculation, tracking what many believed to be Ohtani's flight to Toronto. However, CBC later reported that the individual aboard the private jet was Shark Tank and Dragons' Den star Robert Herjavec.
On December 9, Ohtani made the announcement that he would sign with the Dodgers, inking a groundbreaking 10-year, $700 million deal.